Walmart and Alquist to Expand 3D-Printed Commercial Real Estate
Summary of the CNBC Article: 3D Printing in Commercial Real Estate is Gaining Momentum
This CNBC article details the growing adoption of 3D printing technology in commercial real estate, specifically highlighting a significant partnership between Walmart and Alquist 3D. Here’s a breakdown of the key takeaways:
* Walmart is leading the charge: Walmart has already built the largest 3D-printed commercial structure in the US (an 8,000 sq ft addition to a store in Athens, Tennessee) and is now planning to build more than a dozen new buildings using Alquist 3D’s technology.
* Alquist 3D is scaling up: Alquist, a company specializing in large-scale 3D printers and related software, is expanding beyond residential construction into the commercial sector. They are partnering with a large equipment rental dealer and a general contractor to facilitate nationwide scaling.
* Sika joins the equation: Construction materials giant Sika will provide materials for all of Alquist’s future 3D-printed projects, streamlining supply chains, lowering costs, and promoting enduring building practices.
* Addressing initial challenges: The first Walmart project in Tennessee faced delays and hurdles due to a lack of experience and coordination. Alquist acknowledges these “growing pains” and is learning from them.
* Cost reduction is key: The primary driver for adopting 3D printing is the potential to lower construction costs through increased volume, attracting supplier attention, and optimizing supply chains.
* A turning point for CRE: The article positions this as a significant shift in the traditionally slow-to-modernize commercial real estate construction industry.
In essence, the article paints a picture of 3D printing moving from a niche residential submission to a perhaps disruptive force in commercial construction, with Walmart and Alquist 3D at the forefront of this change.