Unspun plans to build manufacturing capacity in the US using AI-enabled 3D weaving technology that will allow for commercial-scale production.
Walmart is among the brands signing letters of support for the scheme, alongside supply chain partners Bethel Industries, Peckham and PDS Limited.
Unspun says initial production is “on the near-term horizon”.
“We are not exploring whether domestic apparel manufacturing can work. We are building it,” explained Arne Arens, CEO at unspun. “Our clients are looking for a new production model because they see the economics: manufacturing closer to the customer, responding to demand within the same season, and creating skilled American jobs in the process.”
Unspun has attracted more than $50 million in VC funding for its 3D weaving technology. The innovation is capable of producing garments directly from yarn in minutes.
It claims this will transform dozens of cut-and-sew steps traditionally used in garment manufacture, creating a single automated process.
This will also allow for brands to produce garments closer to demand and reorder within the same season, reducing the risk of excess inventory. Unspun says 3D weaving could improve gross margins by 400-500 basis points thanks to fewer markdowns and write-offs as a result.
Avisnash Bhasker, Vice President, Apparel Production Development at Walmart, said, “Our customers are proud to buy apparel made in America, and the demand keeps growing. We are excited about Unspun’s commitment and effort in helping rebuild domestic manufacturing capability that is faster, smarter, and designed for how customers actually shop.”
Walmart previously worked with Unspun on a pilot, producing workwear chinos made using the 3D weaving technology. The initiative lined up with the retailer’s broader plans to transition toward renewable energy sources and reducing emissions across its supply chain.
Unspun is still currently evaluating potential locations, infrastructure requirements and workforce training programmes as it moves towards opening its first automated apparel manufacturing sites in the US.
