Consumer brands including Walmart have signed letters of support for unspun's plan to build domestic manufacturing capacity in the U.S. using an AI-enabled 3D weaving technology designed to bring apparel making closer to consumers at a commercial scale.
The startup said supply chain partners Bethel Industries, Peckham, and PDS Ltd/GSC Link are also participating to help establish automated domestic production hubs, with initial production expected in the near term.
With more than $50 million in VC funding already raised, unspun is advancing its proprietary 3D weaving technology — an AI-enabled system that produces garments directly from yarn via a highly automated process. REI has also signed a letter of support for the initiative. Unspun said it has equipment ready for deployment and is currently evaluating sites across multiple states.
“We are not exploring whether domestic apparel manufacturing can work. We are building it,” said Arne Arens, CEO of unspun and former Global Brand President of The North Face. “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’s 3D technology weaves semi-finished garments directly from yarn in minutes, transforming dozens of traditional cut-and-sew steps into a single, automated process. The platform lets brands to produce closer to demand, reorder within the same season and reduce excess inventory.
“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," said Avisnash Bhasker, vice president of apparel production development at Walmart.
Unspun said it is currently evaluating potential locations, infrastructure requirements, and workforce training programs as it moves toward establishing the first automated apparel manufacturing hubs in the United States powered by 3D weaving technology.
