RLS Logistics, a Mount Laurel-based third-generation cold chain solutions provider, announced on Wednesday it has launched a joint venture expansion plan to provide customers with the opportunity to expand to new markets via regional family-run cold storage providers.
The plan calls to partner with operators in 10 to 12 mega-regions of the United States as well as Eastern and Western Canada. The operators, or Partnering Regional Operators, will maintain equity in their regions and will continue to oversee operations, customer relations and team development.
“Food producers who are used to dealing directly with the owner of the business will be able to continue that tradition. Customer relationships and customized solutions are at the foundation of our business model, and we believe keeping key business decisions local will speed our responsiveness and differentiate our offering,” Tony Leo, CEO of RLS Logistics, Warehousing Group, said.
After seeing the industry consolidate in recent years, RLS said it wanted to create a better alternative for its customers.
Through this new program, RLS is combining the regional expertise and commitment of successful family-owned companies with the capital resources of a much larger provider. “There are a lot of small- and medium-sized companies who want to do business with a network of family-owned service providers,” Russell Leo, CEO of Transportation for RLS Logistics, said. “This especially allows mid-market food manufacturers carrying multiple inventories access to reliable family-owned cold storage where they will be able to get the service levels they require.”
