DHL Supply Chain, a major third-party contract logistics provider headquartered in Westerville, Ohio, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Atlanta, Georgia-based RLCold, a real estate development firm specializing in cold storage warehousing and processing for the food and beverage sector. The partners are set to develop more than five million square feet of advanced temperature-controlled facilities across North America and will jointly pursue multi-temperature distribution centers.
Under the MOU, DHL Supply Chain will combine its operational expertise and customer insights with RLCold’s design, project management, and construction capabilities to accelerate the delivery of turnkey food-grade cold storage solutions.
“In top US markets, the average age of cold storage warehouses is about 31 years, making the need for modern, automation-ready facilities in the right locations a priority for food and beverage brands,” said DHL Consumer Supply Chain North America President Dennis Lutwen. “This effort is not simply about expanding capacity. It will close the critical gaps in today’s cold chain infrastructure and deliver smarter, technology-enabled facilities online where they’re needed most.”
The partners will deliver warehouses designed to meet the US Food and Drug Administration’s Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) programs and include multi-temperature zones and docks; humidity management and air quality control systems; as well as high-clearance, high-density racking designed for intelligent, space-efficient storage. Additionally, airtight construction, advanced refrigeration controls, and innovative sustainable energy solutions will be featured in building designs to optimize operation costs and reduce carbon footprint.
“Food and beverage tenants are demanding modern buildings that deliver higher throughput, tighter temperature control and lower energy intensity,” said RL Cold President Josh Lewis, President. “Together with DHL Supply Chain, we can deliver purpose‑built, operationally optimized and flexible warehouses faster and at scale across North America.”
Addressing F&B Industry Needs
Shifts in demographics and the rise of online grocery and food delivery services are driving demand for strategically located, multi-node cold storage networks with high-capacity storage and automated handling that improve accuracy, protect freshness, and reduce obsolescence. The DHL/RLCold partnership will offer both dedicated and multi-tenant facilities, allowing customers the flexibility to scale seasonally and by channel. Additionally, DHL’s IT platforms and operational solutions will provide end-to-end visibility, support food-safety programs, and manage shifting demands.
Initial sites are expected to progress through design and pre‑development during 2026, with phased deliveries based on customer commitments and regional demand.
