3D Printing Gains Ground as Walmart Expands Commercial Builds

A Retail Giant Bets on 3D

According to CNBC, Walmart is diving into construction tech. After building an 8,000 SF 3D-printed expansion in Athens, Tennessee, last year, the retailer is scaling up. It signed a deal with Alquist 3D to construct more than a dozen new stores using the same technology.

This move makes Walmart the first major US retailer to adopt 3D printing on a large commercial scale. It could set a new standard for real estate development.

Scaling Up the Tech

3D printing has gained traction in homebuilding. Commercial real estate, however, has lagged due to the size and complexity of structures. Alquist plans to change that.

The company builds large-format printers and develops the code to operate them. It’s now working with major contractors and equipment rental firms to expand the technology across the country.

Alquist also partnered with Sika, a leading global building materials firm. Sika will supply materials for all future 3D-printed projects. The partnership will help reduce freight and material costs while supporting sustainable construction at scale.

Growing Pains and Lessons Learned

Alquist’s first commercial project in Athens hit early roadblocks. Delays stemmed from design issues, shifting permits, and inexperienced collaborators. CEO Patrick Callahan called it “a classic Silicon Valley failing forward job.”

Still, the second build—a 5,000 SF pickup center in Huntsville, Alabama—finished in just seven days. The quick turnaround proved the model could scale efficiently.

Callahan, who comes from a defense tech background, now leads Alquist as a construction-tech company. He follows founder Zach Mannheimer’s mission: build faster, cheaper, greener, and better.

Labor, But Smarter

3D-printed buildings need fewer workers, but they must be highly skilled. To meet that need, Alquist partners with trade schools and teaches robotics and green materials.

This approach appeals to a shrinking construction workforce. With major retailers like Walmart rethinking fulfillment infrastructure and logistics strategy, efficient labor models are increasingly crucial. Callahan said many traditional workers are now open to tech-based roles after initial skepticism.

“You’re not throwing rocks on scaffolding,” he said. “You’re using robotics in a safe, clean environment.”

Competition Heats Up

Alquist isn’t alone in targeting commercial real estate. Icon Build, known for its 3D-printed homes, is also moving into the space. The company recently built a hotel and is eyeing projects like data centers.

Its new Titan printer, set to launch next year, can handle large-scale commercial jobs. Icon CEO Jason Ballard said the technology will show major cost and time savings.

Still, he warned of labor challenges. Data centers already consume much of the construction workforce. Commercial 3D printing will face similar pressures to build affordably and quickly.

Icon expects to produce at least one Titan printer per month starting next year. That production pace could help the company dramatically expand its commercial reach.

Why It Matters

Walmart’s deal with Alquist is more than a tech pilot. It could serve as a blueprint for faster and cheaper commercial development. If successful, it may inspire other large retailers and developers to follow.

The focus on automation and sustainability also aligns with broader industry goals. This could accelerate adoption across real estate sectors.

What’s Next

Alquist plans to roll out new projects nationwide. Support from Sika, contractors, and suppliers will speed up deployment.

Meanwhile, Icon and others are racing to validate their own tech. If momentum continues, 2026 could be the breakthrough year for 3D-printed commercial real estate.

Bottom Line

Walmart’s 3D printing initiative with Alquist signals a turning point in commercial construction. It could reshape how companies build and operate real estate in a fast-changing market.