Walmart Begins New 3D Printed Construction Project in Missouri as Technology Shows Signs of Scalability

Walmart has begun its third project using 3D construction printing (3DCP) in Lamar, Mo. The retailer had used the Alquist 3D robotic technology — which oozes concrete out of what looks like a giant pastry filler — to build an 8,000-square-foot, 20-foot high addition to its Athens, Tenn. store in October 2024. The new project in Missouri will be the first of more than a dozen construction projects Walmart and other retailers across the U.S. have planned using Alquist’s 3DCP technology. To meet the demand, Alquist has partnered with equipment rental dealer Hugg & Hall and full-service general contractor FMGI. Within this new ecosystem, FMGI will lease Alquist A1X printers, financed and serviced by Hugg & Hall, to execute large-scale 3D-printed projects nationwide. With this model, Alquist can sell, lease and rent its proprietary equipment and training methods to the broader construction industry, expanding access to 3DCP at scale. “For the first time ever in our industry we have the right partners in place to scale 3DCP at a massive level,” said Patrick Callahan, CEO of Alquist in a statement. “For years, 3DCP has been an emerging idea. Now, it’s a proven solution being deployed by some of the nation’s largest companies.” The projects, which vary in size, scope and regional application, will apply Alquist’s robotic 3D printing system to deliver structural walls and infrastructure elements more efficiently and sustainably than traditional construction methods. “At FMGI, we’re builders first,” said Darin Ross, President and CEO of FMGI in a statement. “What drew us to Alquist was how practical this technology really is. It’s faster to mobilize, cleaner on site and delivers consistent quality in every print.” Alquist has been on a rapid growth path this past year, establishing its headquarters in Greeley, Colo. and expanding its network with education and industry partnerships. The company continues to work with Greeley’s Aims Community College, as well as other residential builders, to train future workers and advance sustainable building solutions. Alquist plans to announced additional educational partnerships later this year.