Alquist wraps Walmart Alabama Supercenter expansion project as it taps 3D construction technology

Walmart and Alquist have announced the completion of a second 3D Concrete Print (3DCP) project at the US retail giant’s Owens Cross Roads, Ala., Supercenter.

In Alabama, the five-person Alquist team, utilising two 3DCP systems, printed the 16 foot high walls on the Pickup expansion in 75 hours during seven operational days, which, the company claims, is significantly faster than traditional 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,” says Patrick Callahan, CEO, Alquist 3D. “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.”

“We’re proving that 3DCP is cheaper and greener than standard CMU construction,” says Darin Ross, president and CEO, FMGI, general contractor. “This build cost 15% less and produced 55% less waste than the first 3DCP build late last year in Athens, Tenn.”

“These tests aim to evaluate alternative techniques to traditional construction, while maximising sustainability,” says LB Johnson, Vice President of Construction at Walmart. “Our approach to innovation is designed to optimise 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.”

2025 RTIH INNOVATION AWARDS

3D technology will be a key focus area at the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards.

The awards, which are now open for entries, celebrate global tech innovation in a fast moving omnichannel world.

Our 2024 hall of fame entrants were revealed during an event which took place at RIBA’s 66 Portland Place HQ in Central London on 21st November, and consisted of a drinks reception, three course meal, and awards ceremony presided over by comedian Lucy Porter.

In his welcome speech, Scott Thompson, Founder and Editor, RTIH, said: “The event is now into its sixth year and what a journey it has been. The awards started life as an online only affair during the Covid outbreak, before launching as a small scale in real life event and growing year on year to the point where we’re now selling out this fine, historic venue.”

He added: “Congratulations to all of our finalists. Many submissions did not make it through to the final stage, and getting to this point is no mean feat. Checkout-free stores, automated supply chains, immersive experiences, on-demand delivery, next generation loyalty offerings, inclusive retail, green technology. We’ve got all the cool stuff covered this evening.”

“But just importantly we’ve got lots of great examples of companies taking innovative tech and making it usable in everyday operations - resulting in more efficiency and profitability in all areas.”

Congratulations to our 2024 winners, and a big thank you to our sponsors, judging panel, the legend that is Lucy Porter, and all those who attended November's gathering. 

For further information on the 2025 RTIH Innovation Awards, please fill in the below form and we will get back to you asap.