Georgetown, Texas, October 16, 2025
News Summary
GAF Energy, a San José-based tech company, is relocating its headquarters to Georgetown, Texas, effective December 13. This move will result in the layoff of 138 employees in California. The shift to Texas is driven by better market opportunities, despite California’s advantages in talent and innovation. GAF Energy, known for its solar shingles, aims to enhance operational efficiencies and is set to invest over $100 million in its new location, which is expected to create 265 high-tech jobs in the coming decade.
California
GAF Energy, a San José-based tech company specializing in roof shingles with built-in solar panels, has announced it will relocate its headquarters to Georgetown, Texas, on December 13. This decision was documented in a notification filed with California state officials, and it will result in the layoff of 138 employees in California, including technicians, engineers, and managers.
The company’s move is primarily driven by better market opportunities in Texas rather than any unfavorable business environment in California. However, it will significantly impact both in-person and remote employees, as GAF Energy will suspend all operations in its San José facility, which was opened in 2021 for research, development, and solar panel manufacturing.
Under the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act (WARN), GAF Energy is required to provide a 60-day notice before a mass layoff. This requirement underscores the company’s commitment to transparency during a transition that affects a substantial portion of its workforce.
Despite the circulation of narratives regarding California’s challenging business climate, experts note that the state still has significant advantages, including a rich pool of talent and innovation. GAF Energy’s move comes amid a trend of companies relocating from California to states perceived as more business-friendly, with other notable firms including Tesla, Charles Schwab, and Bed Bath & Beyond making similar transitions, often citing stringent regulations, high taxes, and expensive labor as motivating factors.
Background of GAF Energy
GAF Energy is a subsidiary of Standard Industries and is known for its innovative approach to sustainability, particularly its solar shingles that embed solar panels directly into roofing shingles. The company previously opened a manufacturing facility in Texas in 2021, signaling a growing commitment to expanding its operations in a state that has become a hub for renewable energy.
The Georgetown city council approved a $3.24 million incentive package to attract GAF Energy, which includes tax rebates and cash incentives. At the time of approval, GAF Energy anticipated creating 265 high-tech jobs in Georgetown within the next decade and projected a total investment exceeding $100 million.
Moving operations to Texas aligns with GAF Energy’s goals to consolidate its facilities and enhance operational efficiencies and collaboration among teams. The decision reflects a broader trend among California-based companies gravitating toward Texas, which leads the nation in housing permits and renewable energy production.
Conclusion
This corporate shift underlines the evolving landscape of business operations in the United States, as more companies seek environments conducive to growth and innovation. GAF Energy’s transition to Georgetown is part of this larger narrative, pointing towards Texas as an attractive location for high-tech industries and sustainable enterprises.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is GAF Energy?
GAF Energy is a San José-based tech company specializing in roof shingles with built-in solar panels.
When is GAF Energy moving its headquarters?
GAF Energy will relocate its headquarters to Georgetown, Texas, on December 13.
How many employees will be laid off due to the move?
The company will lay off 138 employees in California, which includes technicians, engineers, and managers.
Why is GAF Energy moving to Texas?
The decision to move is motivated by better market opportunities in Texas, not due to an unfavorable business environment in California.
What is the significance of GAF Energy’s move?
The move highlights a trend of California companies migrating to business-friendly Texas, with the state currently leading in housing permits and renewable energy production in the U.S.
Key Features of GAF Energy’s Relocation
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| New Headquarters Location | Georgetown, Texas |
| Current Headquarters | San José, California |
| Date of Move | December 13 |
| Employees Laid Off | 138 |
| Investment in Texas | Exceeding $100 million |
| Incentives from Georgetown | $3.24 million package |
| Anticipated Job Creation | 265 high-tech jobs over the next decade |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
- Austin American-Statesman
- Los Angeles Times
- SFGATE
- San Antonio Express-News
- Wikipedia: Solar energy in the United States
Author: STAFF HERE MISSION VIEJO WRITER
The MISSION VIEJO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMissionViejo.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Mission Viejo, Orange 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 Oso Fit 5K Fun Run and Community Health Fair, Walk Against Drugs & Community Fair, and National Night Out. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Mission Viejo Chamber of Commerce and Providence Mission Hospital Mission Viejo, plus leading businesses in retail and education that power the local economy such as The Shops at Mission Viejo, Capistrano Unified School District, and Amazon Delivery Station. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECostaMesa.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
