Walmart joins the 3D printing trend!

Retail giant Walmart is hopping on the 3D-printing train, after partnering with Greeley, Colorado-based Alquist 3D to build an addition on its retail location in Athens, Tennessee.

Alquist created a nearly 8,000-square-foot, 20-foot-high expansion of the retailer’s online pickup and delivery space at the store, according to a Sept. 10 news release. It marks the first time Walmart has utilized 3D printing technology at this scale, and the addition is one of the largest freestanding 3D-printed commercial concrete structures in the U.S., according to the release.

Walmart claims its decision to use 3D construction printing in its expansion aligns with its broader goals of becoming more environmentally friendly, leveraging cutting-edge technology to attract customers and accelerating the construction process, according to the release.