By Paul O'Donnell
Graze Inc., a California startup piloting autonomous and emissions-free commercial lawnmowers, is relocating its headquarters and research center to Plano. Automatic Mower
The company expects to open a new facility in Legacy business park in April as it prepares to launch its robotic commercial-grade mower, according to the city of Plano. Graze said via email that it expects to have 25 employees in Plano as it ramps up hiring this year.
Since last summer, Graze’s robotic mowers have been used in a test maintenance program at DFW International Airport’s 14,000-acre grass field. It teamed with McKinney-based software firm Robin Autopilot on the trial.
Graze is partnering with Plano to host a demonstration of its mower at 1 p.m. Jan. 17 at High Point Park.
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“Plano and its surrounding area will provide the perfect base for Graze to develop additional innovative solutions for the landscaping industry and grow our position in the marketplace,” said CEO Logan Fahey in a statement. “We look forward to expanding our business as we provide eco-friendly landscaping solutions for customers throughout Texas and beyond.”
Fahey, a serial entrepreneur, has relocated other companies to North Texas, including Robin Autopilot, which he previously led.
The company, formerly headquartered in El Segundo, launched a $7.5 million crowdfunding campaign in March 2023 to help it scale production of its battery-electric mower. The product is aimed at landscaping crews working at large outdoor spaces, such as airports, golf courses and solar installations.
“D-FW provides a competitive advantage,” the company said in an email. “We are truly in the epicenter of all three sectors.”
The $176 billion commercial landscaping industry is increasingly seeking alternatives to traditional lawn mowing equipment powered by gasoline. California moved to ban such equipment, with its prohibition taking effect at the start of this year.
Citing health, noise and environmental concerns, Dallas officials also are developing plans to phase out the use of gas-powered tools for city departments, contractors, businesses and residents by 2027 or 2030. The ban would mandate use of alternative devices, like ones powered by electricity.
Graze is the latest California-based tech firm to move to Plano. In October, financial technology firm QuickFee relocated its North American headquarters from Santa Monica.
Riding Lawn Mower Clearance Paul O'Donnell, Business Editor. Paul directs the work of an award-winning staff covering business news in the nation's fourth largest metro region. He's been The News' business editor since 2015. Before that, he was editor-in-chief at the Dallas Business Journal and business editor at the Cleveland Plain Dealer.