Cold chain provider RLS Logistics announced Wednesday plans to build an 83,000-square-foot temperature-controlled facility in central Massachusetts.
The Mount Laurel, New Jersey-based company plans to build the facility through its affiliate RLS Partners. The announcement is the latest in the company’s efforts to build out a national network of family-operated cold storage facilities, or its Partnering Regional Operator (PRO) network. RLS is working with real estate funds and banks to acquire existing operators as well as build new facilities.
“There’s a tremendous opportunity in New England. We’re developing a new facility in a market where we think it’s needed and where there hasn’t been a new offering in years,” said industry veteran Bryan Hedge, who will head RLS regional operations for the build-out.
The new facility will provide 18,000 pallet positions through a mobile racking system that increases pallet storage by 40% to 45% as well as an economically and environmentally friendly refrigeration system. Both technologies are already in use at RLS’ facility in Delanco, New Jersey.
The company expects to serve food distributors, processors and importers throughout New England with cold storage capabilities and access to temperature-controlled less-than-truckload (LTL) services. The opening is scheduled for the fourth quarter of 2021.
“RLS is excited to not only have a presence in New England but also to have someone of Bryan’s caliber associated with our business. Our values align perfectly, so you couldn’t ask for a better situation,” said RLS Logistics VP of Business Development John Gaudet.
RLS offers a full suite of cold chain solutions, including truckload and LTL transportation, warehousing, packaging, repacking, and e-commerce fulfillment. The company also provides pool consolidation and delivery to Walmart (NYSE: WMT) distribution centers.
“What it means for customers in the New England region is one solution for their cold chain needs. They can take advantage not only of our cold storage and value-added services, but also RLS Logistics’ consolidation programs and transportation expertise,” continued Hedge.