Vallejo Modular Home Manufacturer Harbinger Production to Close, Lay Off 280 Employees

The company, formerly known as Factory_OS, cites lack of new business and loss of capital funding as reasons for the closure.

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Harbinger Production, a modular housing manufacturer in Vallejo, California, announced on Friday that it will close its factory and lay off all 280 of its employees later this year. The company, formerly known as Factory_OS, cited a lack of new business and loss of capital funding as the reasons for the closure. Harbinger was a fixture in affordable housing development in the Bay Area, contributing modular units to numerous projects, but has faced challenges in recent years including increased competition and legal issues.

Why it matters

The closure of Harbinger Production is a significant blow to the Vallejo and Solano County economies, as the company was a major employer in the region. The loss of 280 jobs will have a ripple effect on the local community. Additionally, Harbinger's modular housing units were an important part of affordable housing development in the Bay Area, so this closure could impact the availability of affordable housing options.

The details

Harbinger Production, formerly known as Factory_OS, announced the layoffs in a legal notice sent to city, county, and state officials on Friday. The notice cites a lack of new business and loss of capital funding as the reasons for the closure. Harbinger constructs ready-made apartments that can be stacked for new developments, a technique credited with reducing the time and expense necessary for new construction. However, the company has faced challenges in recent years, including increased competition from out-of-state and international manufacturers, as well as lawsuits alleging labor violations and failure to pay a supplier.

  • Harbinger Production announced the layoffs on Friday, February 13, 2026.
  • The layoffs are planned to begin in April 2026.

The players

Harbinger Production

A modular housing manufacturer in Vallejo, California, formerly known as Factory_OS. The company constructs ready-made apartments that can be stacked for new developments.

Rick Holliday

One of the founders of Factory_OS, which later became Harbinger Production.

Larry Pace

One of the founders of Factory_OS, which later became Harbinger Production.

Kevin Brown

The former CEO of Factory_OS, who became the president and chief commercial officer of Harbinger Production after the company was acquired by a private-equity backed consortium in 2024.

Tom Smith

The current CEO of Harbinger Production, who took on the role in 2025.

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What they’re saying

“We are just taking it day-by-day right now, luckily there have been no layoffs yet but it doesn't look good because they have already laid off 15 people in management.”

— Anonymous worker (Vallejo Sun)

“If Harbinger lays off a significant number of workers it is unlikely that their union will be able to find other positions for the workers to fill. Depending on what is available in a tightening labor market, that could mean they might have to take jobs with longer commutes or less pay and benefits.”

— Anonymous worker, 8-year employee at Harbinger Production facility (Vallejo Sun)

“it feels like we are helping out.”

— Anonymous worker (Vallejo Sun)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Harbinger Production to proceed with the planned layoffs.

The takeaway

The closure of Harbinger Production highlights the challenges facing the modular housing industry, including increased competition from out-of-state and international manufacturers, as well as legal and financial issues. This closure will have a significant impact on the Vallejo and Solano County economies, and could also affect the availability of affordable housing options in the Bay Area.