Athens, Tennessee — In a notable advancement for the construction industry, Alquist 3D partnered with Walmart to create a nearly 8,000-square-foot 3D-printed addition to one of its stores, marking the largest commercial structure of its kind in the United States. Launched with the aim of enhancing online order fulfillment capabilities, this project stands as a significant proof-of-concept for the growing commercial applications of 3D printing technology.
Based in Greeley, Colorado, Alquist 3D is intensifying its operations with plans to construct over a dozen new Walmart facilities and additional commercial structures. This initiative is poised to be a major step in the large-scale deployment of 3D printing in commercial real estate, a sector that has previously seen limited use of such technology, primarily due to the scale of required machinery.
In collaboration with Sika, a global leader in sustainable construction materials, Alquist aims to optimize its supply chain and reduce costs associated with materials and transportation. The partnership is expected to accelerate the development of innovative and environmentally conscious materials tailored for large-scale 3D printing. Noah Callantine, a specialist with Sika, noted that this collaboration places the company at the forefront of evolving construction technologies, opening new avenues for growth.
The construction sector has historically been slow to adopt new technologies. 3D printing has gained traction in residential projects but has faced hurdles in commercial construction due to the demands of larger-scale printing. Alquist is addressing these challenges by innovating its printer designs and operational software, enabling the company to transition successfully into the commercial realm. By partnering with a full-service general contractor and leveraging a large equipment rental dealer, Alquist is set to reduce labor costs and streamline project execution.
CEO Patrick Callahan emphasized the importance of scalability in reducing prices for construction. As volume increases, suppliers take note, potentially leading to lower costs across the supply chain. This approach could usher in a new era of affordability in construction, where innovative technologies play a pivotal role.
Despite initial setbacks during the Athens project—where logistical challenges delayed the timeline—subsequent ventures have illustrated rapid improvements in efficiency. A recent project in Huntsville, Alabama, which involved a 5,000-square-foot Walmart pickup center, was completed in just seven days, showcasing the promise of future projects.
Training for personnel remains a critical element of Alquist’s operations, as the technology requires a different skill set compared to traditional construction. Alquist collaborates with trade schools to educate a new generation of workers about robotics and green materials, appealing to a workforce increasingly interested in innovation and sustainable practices.
Meanwhile, competitors in the space are emerging. Icon Build, a leader in residential 3D printing, is gradually exploring commercial projects, having already completed a hotel and engaged with potential partners for data centers. Co-founder Jason Ballard expressed optimism that upcoming advancements in their Titan printer model will attract greater interest in commercial applications of 3D printing.
While challenges such as labor shortages persist, Ballard anticipates that their new manufacturing capabilities could lead to substantial growth in the coming year. As the industry evolves, both Alquist and Icon Build are poised to redefine how commercial construction is approached, offering a glimpse into a future where 3D printing increasingly shapes the built environment.
