Georgetown, Texas, October 16, 2025
News Summary
GAF Energy, a San José-based company known for its solar roof shingles, will move its headquarters to Georgetown, Texas, citing better market opportunities. The transition will result in 138 layoffs at the California facility. The company aims to consolidate operations and enhance efficiency at the new location, supported by a $3.24 million incentive package from Georgetown. This move aligns with a trend of companies relocating from California to Texas, driven by perceptions of a more favorable business environment.
California – GAF Energy, a San José-based tech company specializing in roof shingles with built-in solar panels, will relocate its headquarters to Georgetown, Texas, on December 13. The relocation was announced in a notification document filed with California state officials. The decision to move is motivated by better market opportunities in Texas, not due to an unfavorable business environment in California.
As part of this transition, GAF Energy will lay off 138 employees in California, which includes technicians, engineers, and managers. Both in-person and remote employees will be affected by the closure of the San José facility. The company is required to issue a notice 60 days prior to a mass layoff under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN).
GAF Energy’s San José headquarters, which opened in 2021, was used for research, development, and solar panel manufacturing. The company aims to consolidate operations at the new Texas headquarters to enhance efficiencies and collaboration. The move comes amid a notable trend of companies migrating from California to Texas, where many firms cite stricter regulations, high taxes, and costly labor as factors in their decisions. Other companies that have relocated from California include Tesla, Charles Schwab, and Bed Bath & Beyond, which have criticized California’s business environment.
Despite the ongoing narrative of California being business-hostile, experts suggest that the state still holds significant advantages, such as its rich economic environment, talent pool, and innovation. Economists indicate California remains a leading economy. GAF Energy emphasizes clarity in their move, characterizing it as motivated by market alignment rather than any negatives tied to their current location.
In Georgetown, Texas, the local government has approved a $3.24 million incentive package to attract GAF Energy, which includes tax rebates and cash incentives. At the time of the incentive approval, GAF Energy anticipated hiring 265 employees in high-tech jobs over the next decade, with a total investment expected to exceed $100 million. This move highlights Texas’ increasing status as a business-friendly environment, with the state currently leading in housing permits and renewable energy production in the U.S.
Key Features of GAF Energy’s Move
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| New Headquarters Location | Georgetown, Texas |
| Closure Date of San José Facility | December 13 |
| Employees Affected | 138 employees |
| Incentive Package Value | $3.24 million |
| Projected Jobs in Texas | 265 high-tech jobs |
| Total Investment in Texas | Exceeding $100 million |
Conclusion
GAF Energy’s move from California to Texas underscores a broader trend of businesses migrating to regions perceived as more favorable for growth. As the company aims to take advantage of the opportunities in Texas, the impact on the 138 employees losing their jobs remains significant.
FAQ Section
Why is GAF Energy relocating its headquarters?
The decision to move is motivated by better market opportunities in Texas, not due to an unfavorable business environment in California.
How many employees will be laid off due to the move?
GAF Energy will lay off 138 employees in California, which includes technicians, engineers, and managers.
What is the closure date for GAF Energy’s facility in San José?
The closure date for GAF Energy’s San José facility is December 13.
What incentives did Georgetown, Texas offer to attract GAF Energy?
Georgetown approved a $3.24 million incentive package to attract GAF Energy, including tax rebates and cash incentives.
How many jobs is GAF Energy expecting to hire in Texas?
GAF Energy anticipated hiring 265 employees in high-tech jobs over the next decade.
What was the total investment expected to exceed in Texas?
The total investment is expected to exceed $100 million.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Statesman: GAF Energy’s Texas Headquarters Move
- Wikipedia: GAF Energy
- LA Times: Solar Panel Company to Leave Bay Area for Texas
- Google Search: GAF Energy Texas Headquarters
- SFGATE: GAF Energy Moves Headquarters to Texas
- Google Scholar: GAF Energy
- SF Chronicle: GAF Energy’s Solar Jobs Move to Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Solar Energy
- Express News: GAF Energy’s Headquarters Move
- Google News: California Business Relocation
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
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