Walmart Cuts Costs and Construction Time With 3D-Printed Store Expansion

A Walmart Supercenter in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, where a 5,000-SF expansion was completed by robots and 3D concrete printing by Alquist 3D (Photo provided by Alquist 3D)

Walmart Inc. of Bentonville and construction technology firm Alquist 3D LLC of Greeley, Colorado, have a completed a 3D-printed expansion of a Walmart Supercenter in Owens Cross Roads, Alabama, boosting speed and cost efficiency compared to a previous project.

The 16-feet-high concrete walls supporting the 5,000-SF expansion were completed in 75 hours, or about 50% faster than traditional methods, the companies said in a news release.

Savings on labor and materials reduced the total cost of the project by 15% and reduced waste by 55% compared to Alquist’s first 3D-printed Walmart expansion last year in Athens, Tennessee. Advanced robotics enabled a five-person crew to complete operations traditionally requiring larger teams.

Additionally, workforce safety was improved through on-site robotics as opposed to traditional scaffolding and bracing techniques, the release said.

Patrick Callahan, CEO of Alquist, said the results show that 3D printing isn’t a novelty, it’s ready-to-scale technology.

“With this second project, we’re demonstrating how retail expansions can be faster, more cost-effective, and less wasteful, paving the way for broader adoption in large-scale builds,” he said.

L.B. Johnson, vice president of construction at Walmart, said the tests aim to evaluate alternative techniques to traditional construction, while maximizing sustainability.

“Our approach to innovation is designed to optimize processes and simplify field operations – leading to reductions in project costs and timelines,” he said. “This will enable speed to market for our customers and help accelerate evolution in the construction industry.”