Georgetown, October 17, 2025
News Summary
GAF Energy, a tech company specializing in solar roof shingles, is moving its headquarters from San José, California, to Georgetown, Texas. This move will result in the layoff of 138 employees as the San José facility closes. The decision is aimed at leveraging better market opportunities in Texas, despite the company’s success in California. GAF Energy continues to sell products in California while halting all research, development, and manufacturing operations in the state. This relocation is part of a wider trend of businesses migrating from California to Texas.
San José – GAF Energy, a technology company based in San José, is relocating its headquarters to Georgetown, Texas, effective December 13. This decision comes with the closure of its San José facility, leading to the layoff of 138 employees, including technicians, engineers, and managers. The company specializes in manufacturing roof shingles outfitted with integrated solar panels, providing a practical alternative to traditional rooftop solar solutions.
The relocation is primarily motivated by better market opportunities in Texas, rather than a negative business environment in California. GAF Energy’s San José headquarters, which has been operational since 2021, was focused on research, development, and manufacturing of solar panels. The company will be complying with the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), which mandates a 60-day notice period for significant layoffs. As a result, both in-person and remote employees will be affected by the closure.
GAF Energy is a subsidiary of Standard Industries. Its move to Texas follows the opening of a manufacturing facility in the state in 2022, where the company aims to consolidate its operations to enhance efficiency and better serve its customers. The decision to relocate has been expressed as a difficult one, with acknowledgment of the hard work and dedication demonstrated by employees in San José. GAF Energy plans to provide assistance to the workers impacted by the layoffs.
The Texas facility has been incentivized by a $3.24 million package from the Georgetown area, which includes tax rebates and cash incentives to support the establishment of the manufacturing plant. The decision to expand operations in Texas is strategic, aligning with the burgeoning demand for new construction and roof replacements, as Texas accounted for 15% of all U.S. housing permits in 2024.
Despite the closure of its San José operations, GAF Energy will continue to market its products in California. However, all research, development, and manufacturing within the state will be suspended. The company’s relocation to Texas is part of a broader trend of businesses moving from California to Texas, where a more favorable business climate is often cited as a motivating factor. Notable companies that have made similar moves include Tesla, Charles Schwab, and Chevron.
California remains the fourth-largest economy in the world with a diverse talent pool and strong technological innovation, yet the recent trend indicates that other states, particularly Texas, are becoming increasingly attractive for business operations.
Key Features of GAF Energy’s Relocation
- Headquarters Relocation: From San José, California, to Georgetown, Texas
- Closure of San José Facility: Layoffs of 138 employees
- Focus on Solar Technology: Roof shingles embedded with solar panels
- Market Opportunity: Opportunities identified in Texas
- Compliance: Adhering to WARN Act regulations for layoffs
- Incentives: $3.24 million incentive package received for Texas operations
- Product Availability: Continued sales in California, with R&D and manufacturing suspended
Trends in Business Relocation
The shift of businesses from California to Texas reflects ongoing trends in the business environment, where Texas is often seen as having a more favorable economic landscape for companies. This has attracted various corporations across sectors looking to optimize operations and access new markets.
FAQ Section
What is the reason for GAF Energy’s relocation from California to Texas?
The decision to relocate is driven by better market opportunities in Texas, not by an unfavorable business environment in California.
How many employees will be laid off due to the closure of the San José facility?
GAF Energy will lay off 138 employees in California due to the closure of its San José facility.
What products does GAF Energy specialize in?
GAF Energy specializes in roof shingles with built-in solar panels, offering a practical alternative to traditional rooftop solar panels.
What incentives has GAF Energy received for its Texas operations?
Georgetown, Texas, has provided GAF Energy with a $3.24 million incentive package, which includes tax rebates and cash incentives to establish its manufacturing plant.
Will GAF Energy continue to sell its products in California?
Yes, GAF Energy will continue to sell its products in California but will suspend all research and development and manufacturing operations in the state.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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
GAF Energy Relocates Headquarters to Georgetown, Texas
Additional Resources
- Statesman: GAF Energy’s Headquarters Move
- Wikipedia: Solar Power
- California Globe: GAF Energy Moves to Texas
- Google Search: GAF Energy Headquarters Move
- SFGate: GAF Energy Moves Headquarters
- Google Scholar: Corporate Relocation Trends
- SF Chronicle: GAF Energy Solar Jobs and Texas Move
- Encyclopedia Britannica: GAF Energy
- Mercury News: GAF Energy’s San José Closure
- Google News: Employer Relocation and Incentives
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