RLS Logistics has announced through its affiliate RLS Partners that its new warehouse partner, RLS Complete, is set to open a facility in the first quarter of 2022 in Sturbridge, Mass. Tippmann Innovation (Ti) will be leading the facility construction.
The facility will provide frozen and refrigerated food distributors, processors, and importers in the Boston and Springfield, Mass. regions with public cold storage warehouse capacity relief and access to RLS’ temperature-controlled less than truckload shipping programs.
“It has been over 20 years since a public 3PL warehouse has opened in the New England region,” says Bryan Hedge, president and regional partner, RLS Complete. “We offer a complete solution to customers from our state-of-the art building, technology platform, and transportation services, including our Walmart transportation logistics.”
The 83,000-sq-ft temperature-controlled facility will have 18,000 pallet positions with the support of a mobile racking system. The mobile racking system allows the facility to hold 40% to 45% more pallet positions than the standard double-deep racking. The facility will also use an environmentally friendly refrigeration system that consumes less electricity than traditional ammonia-based systems, reinforcing the company’s sustainability initiatives.
“Seeing the vision of this project come to life is inspiring and exciting to be part of,” says Rob Adams, principal of Ti. “We are proud to partner with RLS and support their team as the company grows.”
“A new build is always a proud moment for the cold storage industry. With the current capacity constraints we are experiencing, it makes the addition of RLS Complete even more exciting,” adds John Gaudet, vice president, business development, RLS Logistics.
The cold storage warehouse will offer multiple temperature zones and value-added services, including blast freezing, USDA reinspection, and EDI capabilities. Customers can expect world-class food safety processes as part of RLS’ efforts to gain BRCGS certification at RLS Complete. “Our facilities uphold the stringent guidelines of BRCGS. This benefits customers by lessening their risk and protecting their brand,” concludes Gaudet.
