Georgetown, October 16, 2025
News Summary
GAF Energy is moving its operations from San Jose, California to Georgetown, Texas, leading to the closure of its facility and a permanent layoff of 138 employees. This strategic shift aims to better align with key markets in the solar industry and continues the trend of companies relocating from California to Texas for advantageous business conditions. GAF Energy plans to build a new manufacturing plant in Georgetown, creating 265 high-tech jobs over the next decade with an investment exceeding $100 million.
San Jose, California
GAF Energy is relocating its operations from the California Bay Area to suburban Georgetown, Texas, resulting in the closure of its facility in San Jose and the permanent layoff of 138 employees. The decision stems from ongoing changes in the solar industry and aims to align the company’s business focus on key markets that are more compelling for builders and homeowners.
The company has been operating in San Jose since 2021. The layoffs were announced following careful consideration by the company’s leadership. As a result of these changes, GAF Energy plans to establish a manufacturing plant in Georgetown, where it intends to create 265 high-tech jobs over the next decade. The anticipated total capital investment for the Georgetown project exceeds $100 million.
GAF Energy is a subsidiary of Standard Industries, which also owns the leading roofing producer GAF. The company focuses on producing solar shingles, marketed as an innovative and aesthetically pleasing alternative to traditional solar panels, offering simpler installation. Following its relocation, GAF Energy is positioned to better meet the increasing demand for solar-integrated products, particularly as Texas has become a leading market for construction and roof replacements.
In 2022, Georgetown approved a $3.24 million incentive package to attract GAF Energy, which included a range of tax rebates, development fee waivers, and cash incentives. This move exemplifies a broader trend of companies relocating from California’s Silicon Valley to business-friendly states like Texas. Other notable companies, including ABBYY and Tesla, have made similar moves recently.
The relocation comes at a time when changes in federal solar incentives have created an urgent need for renewable energy firms to adapt their strategies. Particularly, policy adjustments during the Trump administration trimmed the 30% residential solar tax credit expiration timeline from 2034 to 2022. Texas has accounted for 15% of all U.S. housing permits in 2024, highlighting a growing demand for construction and efficient solar-integrated products.
Furthermore, Texas remains the leading producer of wind energy in the U.S. and is witnessing significant investments in solar and battery storage projects. Despite facing legislative pushback, recent attempts to increase regulations on renewable energy in Texas did not succeed, allowing the growth of the renewable energy sector to continue unabated.
Key Details of GAF Energy’s Relocation
- Closure of the San Jose, California facility.
- Permanent layoff of 138 employees.
- Establishment of a new manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Texas.
- Creation of 265 high-tech jobs over the next 10 years.
- Total investment for the Georgetown project expected to exceed $100 million.
- Incentive package approved by Georgetown totaling $3.24 million.
- Company primarily specializes in solar shingles.
Conclusion
The decision by GAF Energy to move operations to Texas reflects significant shifts within the solar industry as companies seek to dismiss traditional business locations for more advantageous environments. This trend underscores a growing entrepreneurial spirit in Texas aiming to thrive in the renewable energy sector.
FAQ
- Where is GAF Energy relocating its operations?
- GAF Energy is relocating its operations from the California Bay Area to suburban Georgetown, Texas.
- How many employees are being laid off?
- GAF Energy is laying off 138 employees due to the closure of the San Jose facility.
- What is the expected total capital investment for the Georgetown project?
- The total capital investment for the Georgetown project is estimated to exceed $100 million.
- What specialty does GAF Energy focus on in the solar industry?
- GAF Energy specializes in producing solar shingles, which are marketed as a simpler alternative to traditional solar panels.
- What incentives did Georgetown offer GAF Energy to relocate?
- In 2022, Georgetown approved a $3.24 million incentive package to attract GAF Energy, including tax rebates, development fee waivers, and cash incentives.
- What trend does GAF Energy’s relocation illustrate?
- The relocation exemplifies a trend of companies moving from California’s Silicon Valley to business-friendly Texas.
Key Features Summary
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Relocation | GAF Energy is moving from San Jose, California to Georgetown, Texas. |
| Employee Layoffs | 138 employees laid off permanently. |
| New Facility | New manufacturing plant in Georgetown, Texas. |
| Job Creation | 265 high-tech jobs expected over the next decade. |
| Investment | Capital estimated to exceed $100 million. |
| Incentives | Georgetown’s $3.24 million incentive package. |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
GAF Energy Relocates Manufacturing from California to Texas
GAF Energy Relocates Headquarters to Georgetown, Texas
Additional Resources
- Austin American-Statesman: GAF Energy Texas Headquarters Move
- Wikipedia: GAF Energy
- Los Angeles Times: Solar Panel Company to Leave Bay Area
- Google Search: GAF Energy
- San Antonio Express-News: GAF Energy Texas Headquarters Move
- Google Scholar: GAF Energy Relocation
- San Francisco Chronicle: GAF Energy Solar Jobs Move to Texas
- Encyclopedia Britannica: GAF Energy
- The Mercury News: GAF Energy to Shut San Jose Facility
- Google News: GAF Energy Move to Texas
Author: STAFF HERE GEORGETOWN
The GEORGETOWN STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREgeorgetown.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Georgetown, Williamson County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Red Poppy Festival, Georgetown Swirl, and Christmas Stroll. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and the Downtown Georgetown Association, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and tourism that power the local economy such as local wineries and historic downtown shops. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREaustin.com, HEREcollegestation.com, HEREdallas.com, HEREhouston.com, HEREgeorgetown.com, and HEREsanantonio.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Texas's dynamic landscape.
