RLS Partners rebrands as Core X Partners

RLS Partners, a cold chain storage and logistics provider, recently rebranded as Core X Partners.

The move reflects Core X’s commitment to innovation, growth, and delivering unparalleled service to customers across North America, the company said.

“Core X Partners is the perfect brand for the unique model that we’ve developed for the industry,” Ken Johnson, Core X president, said in a news release. “It represents our commitment to growth for family-owned and entrepreneurial cold storage operators and their customers.”

Founded as RLS Partners in 2020 by Tony and Russell Leo, alongside entrepreneur Tom Casey, Core X started as an affiliate of RLS Logistics, a third-generation cold chain solutions provider owned by the Leo family. Core X implemented a differentiated strategy and raised capital to serve the long-term needs of cold chain family businesses and their customers. Over the past three years, Core X has built a national cold chain network consisting of 52 million cubic feet through the acquisition of six family businesses and development of a new facility in Massachusetts.

The centerpiece of the Core X model is its Partnering Regional Operators (PROs), which are entrepreneurs and owner-operators who retain an interest in their existing business and make an investment in the Core X parent company. Core X believes cold chain customers value the skills and customer service of Core X PROs at a time when industry consolidation has caused dissatisfaction and fewer choices. Customers also are requiring new and more efficient facilities and want to grow with trusted cold chain providers, Core X said.

Until now, the RLS operating team supported Core X PROs. Over the past few months, Core X has built an expanded and dedicated operating team under Johnson, a 30-year industry veteran. The new Core X services team includes over 25 professionals in sales, transportation, information technology, human resources, and safety and quality.

“I am pleased to have been a part of a successful business rooted in family values and service,” Leo said. “To sustain its explosive growth, RLS Partners has built its own operating team and has been rebranded as Core X Partners, while RLS Logistics will continue to be owned and operated by the Leo family.”