FLEXSPACE & RLS Logistics Team Up Again to Build for the Future
For nearly 10 years, RLS Logistics and FLEXSPACE have taken a decidedly different approach to storage efficiency. Starting with a 50/50 mix of mobile and double-deep racking at their initial Delanco, New Jersey greenfield project, FLEXSPACE proved its value in operations and cost efficiencies. Today, their partnership continues with Delanco Phase II expansion, combining mobile racking with tailored storage solutions to fit the space and business needs.
Third-party cold storage organizations currently face numerous challenges, including high operating costs, difficulties in attracting and retaining workforce, demand fluctuations, and construction expenses, among others. Companies that adopt innovative technologies to improve efficiency are better equipped to navigate industry volatility and deliver superior service to their customers.
RLS Logistics, a leading 3PL provider of cold chain solutions, has met these challenges head-on at Delanco, New Jersey cold storage facility. This expansion adds over 6,750,000 cubic feet of temperature-controlled space and significantly increases pallet positions to meet escalating customer demand across the Northeast corridor. Delanco’s strategic location with proximity to the Port of Philadelphia and other major Northeast markets makes it a prime hub for regional and national distribution.
This marks the second time FLEXSPACE has collaborated with the RLS team on the Delanco facility, aiming to achieve optimal operational efficiency. During RLS Delanco Phase I greenfield project, we helped enhance efficiency by demonstrating how mobile racking outperforms traditional double-deep racking in delivering tangible bottom-line results.
Delanco Phase I Key Outcomes:
1. A 63% increase in pallet density
2. A 26% reduction in cost per pallet position
3. Increase of 28x EBITDA in storage revenue
For RLS Delanco Phase II, we delivered a combination of mobile racking and pick tunnels to compliment bulk storage and case picking, which enables RLS to handle a high volume of case picking for specific types of business where bulk storage is broken down to add value to its customers.
Delanco Phase II Stats:
1. Expansion: over 6,750,000 cubic feet temperature-controlled space
2. Total pallet positions: nearly 8,000
3. Ceiling height: 54’
Additionally, we supported the RLS team with the installation of their expanded Phase II IT network infrastructure—including structured cabling, wireless, and security cameras.
In Phase II, RLS Delanco further advanced its commitment to environmental sustainability by operating a solar-powered campus, implementing an eco-friendly CO2 refrigerant system, and constructing a smaller building driven by increased pallet density with mobile racking.
RLS Logistics’ roots date back to 1968, when the LEO family began as mushroom farmers before transitioning into cold storage warehousing. Today, the RLS Delanco facility has quadrupled its capacity and is a frontrunner in embracing innovative storage solutions and sustainability initiatives that reduce costs and benefit the environmental. Being future-forward requires the right partnerships, solutions, and support and we are proud to continue to work RLS to make their vision a reality.
