RLS Logistics, Newfield, N.J., broke ground on a 56-foot-tall, 1.6 million-cubic-foot warehouse at the Millville Airport Commerce Center.

RLS Logistics, operated by brothers Tony Leo, CEO of warehousing, and Russell Leo, CEO of the transportation group, warehouses and ships many different frozen food commodities for both retail and foodservice sectors. And, family-owned, third-generation company has outgrown its existing warehouse space, according to John Pluciennik, vice president of corporate development.

RLS hired contractor Stanker & Galetto, Vineland, N.J., to build the warehouse. Workers started erecting structural steel in late December on the sprawling 8-acre site. The warehouse will be designed to offer expansion room, and is also taller than most to take advantage of safer, more-stable forklifts. Cameras built into the lift can read the bar codes, so the operators can choose the right pallets.

"The only reason buildings are getting taller is because equipment is getting more sophisticated. A forklift five years ago couldn't go that high and still be stable," says Pluciennik. "The economy is on an upturn in foodservice. Not many businesses have warehouse space left in our region. It's a good sign that manufacturers are building inventory, shows confidence in future sales."