Georgetown, Texas, October 17, 2025
News Summary
GAF Energy is relocating its headquarters from San Jose, California, to Georgetown, Texas, by December 2025, resulting in 138 layoffs. This reflects a larger trend of companies moving out of California due to high costs and regulations. Texas is becoming a popular destination for businesses seeking financial incentives and better conditions. The move also underscores California’s continued struggle in attracting and retaining corporate entities.
Georgetown, Texas – GAF Energy, a notable player in the solar panel industry, has announced its decision to relocate its headquarters from San Jose, California, to Georgetown, Texas. This transition will result in the closure of its San Jose facility on December 13, 2025, leading to the layoffs of 138 employees. The company filed a Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification (WARN) document as mandated by law to notify affected employees in advance.
This move highlights a wider trend of corporate migrations from California, which has been ranked last in Chief Executive Magazine’s Best & Worst States for Business for 14 consecutive years. Businesses are increasingly seeking more favorable conditions in other states, with Texas emerging as a popular destination for corporate relocations.
In a related trend, Tennessee has recently been recognized as the best state for business, attracting corporations like In-N-Out Burger. While the burger chain is shifting some operations to Tennessee, it will maintain its main headquarters in California. Similarly, many other firms have opted to exit California, citing high operational costs, strict regulations, and lifestyle challenges as critical reasons for their departure. High-profile companies such as Bed Bath & Beyond and Chevron have made the choice to relocate to more business-friendly states.
GAF Energy is set to benefit from various financial incentives offered by Georgetown, including tax rebates and waivers on development fees. Martin DeBono, President of GAF Energy, acknowledged the contributions of the San Jose employees but indicated that the headquarters move aligns with the company’s strategic focus on emerging key markets.
Citations of corporate departures from California include Chevron, which had been established in the state since 1879 but decided to shift its headquarters to Houston, citing restrictive state policies. Meanwhile, tech giants like Tesla, SpaceX, Oracle, and Hewlett Packard Enterprise have made similar moves out of California. The departure of these prominent firms has contributed to a significant loss of corporate presence in the state, evidenced by reports indicating that California saw 74 corporate headquarters leave in 2021 alone due to affordability challenges.
The U.S. Census data reflects a broader demographic trend, showing California lost around 700,000 residents from 2022 to 2023, which coincides with the surge of companies relocating to other states. As affordability and regulatory burden continue to push businesses away, Texas demonstrates a vibrant housing market that has drawn companies like GAF Energy, especially those offering solar-integrated products necessary for new construction.
As the corporate exodus from California continues, analysts predict that states like Texas and Tennessee will further attract businesses and talent seeking more favorable conditions.
FAQ
Where is GAF Energy moving its headquarters?
GAF Energy is moving its headquarters from San Jose, California, to Georgetown, Texas.
What will happen to the San Jose facility?
The San Jose facility will shut down on December 13, 2025, resulting in 138 local layoffs.
Why are companies leaving California?
Companies are leaving California due to high costs, stringent regulations, and lifestyle challenges.
What financial incentives is GAF Energy receiving in Texas?
GAF Energy is receiving financial incentives from Georgetown, Texas, including tax rebates and development fee waivers.
How many corporate headquarters left California in 2021?
Reports indicate that California lost 74 corporate headquarters in 2021 alone.
What is the trend in population movement in California?
The U.S. census data shows that California lost around 700,000 residents from 2022 to 2023, correlating with the corporate flight trend.
Key Features of GAF Energy’s Move
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| New Headquarters | Georgetown, Texas |
| Closure Date | December 13, 2025 |
| Employee Impact | 138 local layoffs |
| State Business Ranking | California ranks last for business |
| Corporate Exodus | 74 corporate headquarters left California in 2021 |
| Population Loss | California lost around 700,000 residents from 2022 to 2023 |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
GAF Energy to Relocate Headquarters from San José to Texas
GAF Energy to Relocate Operations from San Jose to Texas
GAF Energy Relocates Operations to Georgetown, Texas
GAF Energy Relocates Manufacturing from California to Texas
GAF Energy Relocates Headquarters to Georgetown, Texas
Additional Resources
- Business Insider: In-N-Out Relocation
- Wikipedia: Relocation of Businesses in the United States
- Fortune: In-N-Out Heiress Moves Business
- Google Search: In-N-Out Business Expansion 2025
- New York Times: In-N-Out CEO Lynsi Snyder on Relocation
- Google Scholar: California Corporate Exodus 2025
- SFGate: California Business Moves to Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California Business Relocation
- Fox Business: John Paul Mitchell Systems Relocation
- Google News: Texas Business Relocation Incentives
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
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