Award Recipients

Garnalex is a highly vertically integrated sustainable UK manufacturing business that was founded in 2018 by Derbyshire businessman, Roger Hartshorn, in a bid to reduce the UK’s reliance on imported aluminium. In 2020, the family-run company launched its innovative Sheerline range of aluminium windows and doors.

Since then, the product range has grown, but the company’s core philosophy has remained the same: to deliver innovative products, provide first-class customer service, and operate in a transparent manner. The impact it has made is reflected in the Sheerline range being recognised with a King’s Award for Innovation 2025 for two aspects. First is its patented construction method, which reduces waste, locks in quality, and creates better looking windows with less misalignment in frames for improved aesthetic appeal. Second is Thermlock®, Sheerline’s proven proprietary thermal technology featuring a multi-chambered design to provide better insulation against the worst of the UK’s weather.

Offering greater thermal efficiency than legacy polyamide systems, Thermlock® easily achieves Part L compliance and offers competitive U-values. This in-built technology enables Sheerline to offer compliance above what is required, so its products are future-proofed against regulatory changes to the benefit of homeowners, fabricators, specifiers and installers.

While two key elements of the system have been highlighted, innovation is woven into the very fabric of Sheerline. That’s why it is continually pushing the boundaries of what is possible, so it not only meets, but exceeds its customers’ expectations. This is what sets the company apart from its competitors in an increasingly crowded industry.

Roger Hartshorn, Sheerline CEO, says: “Our mission was always clear: to make something better, to improve service, and deliver excellence in aluminium fenestration through a highly vertically integrated business that champions British manufacturing.

“The fact we’ve achieved a King’s Award for Innovation 2025 for a system that is only five years old and launched during a global pandemic is a huge source of pride for the whole team. We will continue to drive change within the industry and maintain our reputation as an innovator, which will be boosted with this prestigious accolade.”