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We're building a new model for American apparel manufacturing — and the industry is showing up.
Today, we're excited to share that leading brands, including Walmart and REI, have signed letters of support for unspun's plan to build domestic manufacturing capacity in the United States using our AI-enabled 3D weaving technology. Supply chain partners Bethel Industries, Peckham, and PDS Ltd / GSC Link are also joining to help establish automated production hubs, with initial production on the near-term horizon.
This is a milestone we've been working toward for years — and it signals a broader industry shift toward domestic, demand-driven production.
This story was first reported as an Axios exclusive. Read the full press release on BusinessWire.
Why This Matters
The apparel industry has long relied on long lead times, overseas production, and massive inventory bets. That model is breaking — rising tariffs, geopolitical volatility, and growing pressure to reduce waste are pushing brands to rethink how and where their products are made.
We believe automation is the key to making domestic manufacturing not just viable, but economically compelling.
How Our Technology Works
Our proprietary 3D weaving technology produces semi-finished garments directly from yarn in a single, highly automated process — transforming dozens of traditional cut-and-sew steps into one streamlined workflow.
This means brands can:
- Produce closer to demand — manufacturing in days, not months
- Reorder within the same season — responding to what's actually selling
- Significantly reduce excess inventory — an issue that costs the industry billions each year
- Improve gross margins by 400–500 basis points through fewer markdowns and write-offs
- Create skilled American manufacturing jobs in the process
What Our Partners Are Saying
Avisnash Bhasker, Vice President of Apparel Production Development at Walmart:
"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."
Building the First Hubs
With more than $50M in total VC funding, we are now evaluating potential locations, infrastructure requirements, and workforce training programs as we move toward establishing the first automated apparel manufacturing hubs in the United States powered by 3D weaving technology.
We have equipment ready for deployment and are currently evaluating sites across multiple states. This initiative represents one of the first examples of AI-enabled automation being deployed to rebuild domestic manufacturing capacity at scale.
A New Chapter for unspun
This announcement follows the appointment of Arne Arens as CEO in March 2026. Arne brings decades of experience leading global consumer brands, including The North Face and Boardriders (the parent company of Quiksilver and Billabong). His appointment signals our shift from technology development to industrial-scale deployment.
"We are not exploring whether domestic apparel manufacturing can work. We are building it. 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."
— Arne Arens, CEO of unspun
What's Next
We're just getting started. This is a pivotal moment — not just for unspun, but for the future of how clothing is made. We're grateful to our brand and manufacturing partners for their early support and commitment, and we're excited to keep building.
Stay tuned for more updates as we bring this vision to life.
unspun is a U.S.-founded, B Corp-certified technology company transforming apparel manufacturing through automated 3D weaving. We've been recognized as a Fast Company Most Innovative Company, a TIME Top GreenTech Company, and more. Learn more at unspun.io.
