A Stone in the Local Human Resource Shortage Nikkane, a commercial food wholesaler, started "Alumni System" from 1/1. The system promotes the circulation of human resources in the region and maintains the quality of service at welfare and medical facilities.

2026.01.13 12:15

株式会社ニッカネ

Nikkane Corporation (Head office: Kamimikawa-cho, Kawachi-gun, Tochigi Prefecture; President: Yosuke Kaneda; hereinafter "the Company"), which started its business as a commercial food wholesaler in Tochigi Prefecture and currently operates mainly in eastern Japan, will officially introduce the "Alumni System" for retired employees. Until now, individual rehiring (return-to-work) has occurred, but by institutionalizing this system, the hurdle for reemployment will be lowered and the circulation of human resources in the region will be promoted. The objective is to improve the quality of on-site service by quickly increasing the workforce of experienced workers and to expand employment opportunities rooted in the local community.

ルート配送ドライバー

Route delivery driver

■Background of implementation: Recruitment of "local power" that is difficult to reach on the web

For many years, we have been engaged in the wholesale business of commercial food products for the welfare and meal service sectors, including facilities for the elderly, the disabled, and infants, business meal services, hospitals, and the food service industry. While stable supply and meticulous attention to detail are always required in these fields, there is a continuing shortage of human resources to support these fields and challenges in retention.

In recent years, it has become clear that many retirees continue to have an understanding of and attachment to our company and industry, and that there are practical benefits to reducing the training burden and improving customer service if they can demonstrate their abilities again at our company. Based on this background, we decided to create an environment in which more people can "return to work" without hesitation by establishing a system that does not limit the individual response to a specific case.

Voice of Alumni (Route delivery driver / 30s male)

I left Nikkane and changed jobs at a company where I had little interaction with people. I like to be involved with people, so I felt that the job at Nikkane, where I had a lot of communication with customers and employees, was a good fit for me. At that time, a colleague from my time at Nikkane told me to come back and rejoin the company. Everyone welcomed me and I realized the warmth of the people at Niccane. Now I truly feel that I am glad to have come back.

打合せの様子

A scene from the meeting

Aims of this initiative and our strengths

1. Improvement of service quality and stabilization of employment in the local community through early-stage workforce development

-The Alumni System will significantly reduce on-site training time and handover costs by reintroducing experienced workers who understand our business and the characteristics of our clients.

-Accurate customer service based on experience can be expected, strengthening our contribution to welfare facilities, hospitals, and other sites where the safety and security of users is particularly important.

-By making use of experience and networks cultivated in the community, the company will contribute to employment stability and business continuity in the community as a whole.

2. Foster a psychological acceptance system and corporate culture

-Clearly establish a warm corporate culture that accepts rehiring as a "welcome back" rather than a "job offer. Follow-up with rehired employees based on their reasons for leaving and skill level to ensure that they can work with confidence, and support their retention after rehiring.

-For existing employees, the return of former colleagues who have worked with them will lead to increased motivation in the workplace and the passing on of knowledge.

Nikkane Corporation will continue its efforts to utilize human resources and create a comfortable workplace in order to support the "peace of mind" of local communities and customers. For retirees, we will continue to open our doors with a "welcome back anytime" spirit.

トラック

Track

■Outline of Alumni System

Eligible persons : Those who have experience working at Nikkane

　　　　　Those who are willing to work hard in this industry once again

Selection method: According to our company's regulations *[Active recruitment

Start date: January 1, 2026

◎We are also strengthening recruitment of new staff!

Recruitment special site: https://www.nikkane.com/recruit/

談笑中

Talking

About Nikkane Corporation

Established in 1975, Nikkane is a trading company specializing in handling more than 10,000 items of food products for commercial use.

We continue to play an important role in supporting the foundations of society through the "stable and secure supply of food" to welfare facilities, hospitals, schools, and other facilities that support social infrastructure. Because our business is directly related to people's lives and health, we take this responsibility very seriously and focus on achieving the highest level of service. We are able to provide a meticulous and prompt delivery system through our trusted partnerships with major food manufacturers and our community-based network of 15 bases throughout eastern Japan. With sales of 37.8 billion yen and 820 employees, we have developed a work environment where employees can grow together while cooperating with each other under the motto "get along and have fun. We are promoting work style reforms that emphasize work-life balance, centered on "health management," by actively hiring part-time staff and introducing systems. We continue to grow as a "food infrastructure company" that supports the food culture of eastern Japan through food safety and reliability.

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