RLS Partners, a prominent cold chain storage and logistics provider, has announced its rebranding as CORE X Partners, signifying a significant milestone for the company. This strategic move demonstrates CORE X Partners’ dedication to innovation, expansion, and delivering exceptional service to its cold storage and logistics clients throughout North America.
CORE X Partners was originally established as RLS Partners in 2020 by Tony and Russell Leo, alongside esteemed business leader Tom Casey. It began as an affiliate of RLS Logistics, a successful third-generation cold chain solutions provider owned by the Leo family. Implementing a distinctive strategy and securing capital, CORE X Partners aims to cater to the long-term requirements of cold chain family businesses and their customers. Through the acquisition of six family businesses and the development of a new facility in Massachusetts, CORE X Partners has constructed a national cold chain network spanning 52 million cubic feet.
At the core of the CORE X Partners model are the Partnering Regional Operators (PROs), who are entrepreneurs and owner-operators with a stake in their existing business and an investment in the parent company. CORE X Partners recognizes that cold chain customers value the entrepreneurial skills and customer service provided by its PROs, particularly in an era of industry consolidation that has led to dissatisfaction and limited choices. Customers seek efficient facilities and desire to grow alongside trusted cold chain providers.
To support the PROs, CORE X Partners has assembled a dedicated operating team led by Ken Johnson, a 30-year industry veteran and the company’s president. The expanded team comprises over 25 professionals in various departments, including sales, transportation, IT, HR, and safety and quality.
Russell Leo, CEO of RLS Logistics, expressed his satisfaction with the company’s success and growth, noting that RLS Logistics will continue to be owned and operated by the Leo family while CORE X Partners forges ahead as an independent entity.
CORE X Partners remains committed to ongoing growth and is actively pursuing opportunities to expand its PRO network and customer base. With the trust of its family partners, the company plans to double the scale of its operations in North America over the next two years, investing in new facilities for its PROs and customers.
President Ken Johnson emphasizes that the rebranded CORE X Partners is an ideal representation of the company’s unique model, showcasing their dedication to the growth and success of family-owned and entrepreneurial cold storage operators, as well as their customers.