San Jose, October 22, 2025
News Summary
GAF Energy has announced plans to close its San Jose headquarters by December 2025 and relocate to Georgetown, Texas. This decision will result in the layoff of 138 employees as the company aims to adapt to evolving market conditions in the solar energy industry. Despite the closure, GAF will continue selling products in California and has received incentives from Georgetown to facilitate the move. This relocation aligns with a trend of businesses leaving California for Texas’s more favorable economic environment.
San Jose – GAF Energy has announced that it will close its headquarters in San Jose, California, on December 13, 2025, and relocate to Georgetown, Texas, leading to the layoff of 138 employees. This strategic move is influenced by ongoing changes in the solar energy industry and aims to focus on markets that offer better opportunities for builders and homeowners.
GAF Energy specializes in manufacturing solar panels embedded in roof shingles, providing a more aesthetically pleasing installation compared to traditional solar panels. The San Jose facility, which has been in operation since 2021, served as a hub for the company’s research, development, and manufacturing efforts. Despite the impending closure, GAF Energy will continue to sell its products in California after the San Jose headquarters ceases operations.
The Mass Layoff Notification, submitted in compliance with legal requirements, indicates that the closure will affect not only on-site employees but also remote staff reporting to the San Jose location. GAF Energy is relocating to Georgetown, a suburb of Austin that has recently gained recognition as a tech hub and was named the fastest-growing city in the U.S. from 2022 to 2024. Georgetown is offering GAF Energy various incentives, including tax rebates and waivers on development fees, as part of the relocation agreement.
GAF Energy’s decision reflects a broader trend of California-based firms moving to Texas, driven by the state’s business-friendly environment. Companies like Bed Bath & Beyond and Tesla have also reduced operations or relocated due to high costs and regulations in California. The state’s business climate is facing scrutiny, as California ranks last in Chief Executive Magazine’s Best & Worst States for Business for the 14th consecutive year. Critics attribute these relocations to high taxes, stringent regulations, and challenging economic conditions.
President of GAF Energy, Martin DeBono, stated that the decision was not made lightly and expressed gratitude towards the company’s employees in San Jose for their contributions. GAF Energy plans to centralize operations, manufacturing, and research at its new Texas headquarters, which is set to be established in May 2024. The move aims to improve efficiencies and better serve customers in a growing market, particularly as Texas accounted for 15% of all U.S. housing permits last year, indicating a strong demand for solar energy solutions.
In summary, GAF Energy’s closure of its San Jose headquarters and relocation to Georgetown will mark a significant change in the company’s operations, impacting both the workforce and the business landscape in California and Texas.
FAQs
When will GAF Energy’s San Jose headquarters close?
The San Jose headquarters will close on December 13, 2025.
How many employees will be laid off due to the closure?
GAF Energy will lay off 138 employees as part of the relocation to Georgetown, Texas.
What does GAF Energy manufacture?
GAF Energy manufactures solar panels embedded in roof shingles, which simplifies installation and aesthetics compared to traditional panels.
Where is the new headquarters located?
The new headquarters will be in Georgetown, Texas.
What incentives is Georgetown offering GAF Energy?
Georgetown is providing various incentives, including tax rebates and development fee waivers.
Will GAF Energy continue selling its products in California after the move?
Yes, GAF Energy will continue to sell its products in California after the San Jose closure.
Key Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Closure Date | December 13, 2025 |
| Number of Layoffs | 138 employees |
| Product Type | Solar panels embedded in roof shingles |
| New Headquarters | Georgetown, Texas |
| Incentives from Georgetown | Tax rebates and development fee waivers |
| California Business Climate | Ranked last for 14 consecutive years |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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GAF Energy Relocates Headquarters to Georgetown, Texas
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
Additional Resources
- Community Impact
- Wikipedia: GAF Energy
- Roofing Contractor
- Google Search: GAF Energy relocation
- Statesman
- Google Scholar: GAF Energy relocation
- California Globe
- Encyclopedia Britannica: California business climate
- LA Times
- Google News: GAF Energy Texas
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