Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) and Alquist 3D LLC, in partnership with FMGI, Inc., announce today the completion of the team’s second groundbreaking 3D concrete printing (3DCP) build that sets a new industry record for speed of commercial construction. The walls of the 5000-square-foot expansion at Walmart Supercenter #5197 were “printed” in just 75 hours, significantly faster than traditional CMU (cement masonry unit) building methods.
“In a commercial construction world that pays so much attention to project timelines and costs, our work with Walmart shows that 3D printing isn’t just a novelty – it’s an innovation ready to scale for retail and other industries,” states Patrick Callahan, CEO of Alquist 3D. “This second project clearly demonstrates how retail expansions can be faster, more cost-effective and less wasteful, paving the way for broader adoption for large-scale commercial builds.”
Setting New Records in Speed and Size
The five-person Alquist and FMGI Huntsville team utilized two 3DCP systems to construct the 16-foot walls in just seven operational days. Traditional CMU building methods typically require a larger crew building over 21 days. Set to open next week, the completed Huntsville structure will serve as the retailer’s online grocery pick-up and delivery location as part of the store’s overall remodel.
“One of the most significant advantages of 3DCP is its resilience in adverse weather conditions,” continues Callahan. The Huntsville printing phase successfully continued despite weather conditions that typically would delay or halt traditional CMU block construction, one of the primary reasons for the completion of the walls ahead of schedule. The adaptability of the technology and materials proves 3DCP as a preferred commercial building solution in varying climates.
The Huntsville 3DCP project comes on the heels of the team’s first 3DCP Walmart build that constructed walls for an 8,000-square-foot addition in eastern Tennessee in late 2024.
“These 3DCP tests aim to evaluate alternative techniques to traditional construction, while maximizing sustainability,” explains LB Johnson, vice president of construction at Walmart. “Our approach to innovation is designed to optimize processes and simplify field operations – leading to reductions in project costs and timelines. This will enable speed to market for our customers and help accelerate evolution in the construction industry.”
Additional Benefits of Using 3DCP
· Technology-enhanced Labor: A single, five-person crew operated two 3DCP systems to erect the walls, whereas conventional methods often require double or triple the workforce.
· Reduced Safety Risks: Workforce safety was improved through onsite robotics that eliminated the need for higher-risk traditional scaffolding and bracing techniques.
· Material Efficiency: Material waste was reduced by 55%, setting a new industry standard of less than 5% waste overall.
· Resource Optimization: Alquist used only 75% of the projected 130 bags of Sika material proving further refinement and improved precision of the 3DCP process.
For both 3DCP projects, FMGI served as the general contractor providing onsite coordination of the advanced 3D concrete printing process to ensure the seamless alignment with conventional construction tasks. The construction company also finished the build-out of both structures delivering the occupancy-ready expansions to existing Walmart stores.
Sika USA supplied customized concrete mixes formulated to address varying environmental conditions without sacrificing both speed and durability during the printing process. Alquist’s robotics partner, RIC Technology furnished the state-of-the-art robotic systems designed to achieve high-precision printing with reduced labor requirements.
Mainstream Now
“Our first 3DCP Walmart expansion in Tennessee was the proof-of-concept that building at a larger scale in less-than-ideal conditions is not just theoretically possible but also commercially viable,” states Zachary Mannheimer, founder and chairman of Alquist 3D. “The second project, built on key learnings from the first, proves the technology can thrive in real-world, high-demand commercial environments. It’s not a future technology anymore – it’s mainstream now.”
About Alquist 3D
Alquist 3D is a pioneering construction technology company delivering faster, more adaptable, and cost-effective projects through 3D concrete printing. By merging robotics, proprietary software, and on-site expertise, Alquist 3D is driving the next generation of building solutions for both commercial and residential markets. Learn more at alquist.com
About Walmart
Walmart Inc. (NYSE: WMT) helps people around the world save money and live better—anytime and anywhere—through retail stores, online, and through mobile devices. By continuously innovating in construction, operations, and customer experience, Walmart remains committed to delivering on its promise of better value and a brighter future for the communities it serves. Learn more at walmart.com
About FMGI
FMGI is a leading General Contractor offering full-service construction solutions, known for integrating cutting-edge technology with proven project-management practices. FMGI’s collaboration with Walmart and Alquist 3D reflects its commitment to evolving alongside the industry’s latest building innovations.
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