Open Up (2154) reported an operational efficiency rate of 94.3% for August, a 0.3 percentage point improvement from the previous year. The company is strengthening recruitment investments to stabilize its workforce.
Open Up disclosed its technical staff count and operational efficiency rate for August 2026. While the total headcount decreased by 49 to 24,162 from the previous month's 24,211, the utilization rate rose +0.3 percentage points year-on-year to reach 94.3%.
The company characterizes this period as the second year of its "体质 improvement" phase, where strategic recruitment investments are being reinforced. This trend reflects an effort to balance short-term personnel adjustments with the construction of a long-term growth foundation. The utilization rate also improved +0.2 percentage points month-on-month, signaling that new recruits are integrating smoothly into operations.
Disclosures indicate that the benefits of this investment are expected to appear in profitability from the second half of the fiscal year. Thus, the current robust utilization rate suggests a planting phase for future revenue enhancement. In an industry facing chronic engineer shortages, this +0.3 percentage point improvement garners trust. Maintaining high utilization while actively recruiting is difficult; this stability is expected to boost customer confidence and support contract renewal rates.
In its core mechanical and IT engineering segments, headcount decreased by 60 month-on-month to 15,636, yet the utilization rate improved +0.4 percentage points year-on-year to 94.9%. Breakdowns show mechanical engineers numbering 9,383 (utilization 96.5%) and IT engineers at 6,253 (utilization 92.5%).
Notably, headcount expanded by +284 year-on-year, proving that recruitment efforts are yielding results and market demand remains strong. The mechanical division's high utilization of 96.5% indicates a stable capacity for existing projects. Meanwhile, the IT division's lower rate of 92.5% but improving trend suggests ongoing new project setups.
Different strategies for mechanical and IT are evident. Mechanical engineers maintain high utilization with minimal size adjustments, while IT focuses on recruitment to secure future capacity. This balance supports Open Up's solid revenue base.
The construction engineering department saw headcount rise by 11 month-on-month to 8,526, but fall by 293 year-on-year. This likely reflects the conclusion of long-term projects and temporary organizational restructuring. However, the utilization rate improved +0.3 percentage points year-on-year to 93.3%.
The data suggests that demand persists on-site and personnel usage has become more efficient. Improving utilization amidst a significant year-on-year headcount drop implies successful workload distribution and process reviews. In an industry prone to staff turnover upon project completion, maintaining this rate demonstrates high management capability.
| Sector | August 2026 Headcount | YoY Change (Aug) | Utilization Rate (Aug) | YoY Change |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Total | 24,162 | ▼9 | 94.3% | +0.3pt |
| Mechanical & IT | 15,636 | +284 | 94.9% | +0.4pt |
| Construction | 8,526 | ▼293 | 93.3% | +0.3pt |
These figures show that while each sector faces unique challenges, they are collectively moving toward the common goal of improved utilization.
Analyst take
The company emphasizes recruitment investments during the second year of its restructuring phase, prioritizing future capacity over short-term headcount fluctuations. The link between workforce stability and revenue realization will be clear in Q2 earnings. Investors should watch for signs that recruitment expansion is converting to profit.
