By Roger Hartshorn, CEO Sheerline and Garnalex.

As we enter a new year, it’s natural to reflect on the last 12 months and look ahead to what’s coming next. Over the festive period, I also had time to catch up on the trade press, which prompted some reflection on the claims that are continually made in our industry.

It never ceases to amaze me how clever marketing can disguise well-known shortcomings, and it’s disappointing to think how often people are taken in. For me, it always comes back to one simple principle: actions speak louder than words.

Promises Vs reality

Many systems companies make bold claims about customer service, yet whenever we onboard a new fabricator, we hear the same stories about poor experiences elsewhere. Comments like, “Garnalex is a breath of fresh air” are common – often from customers who have been loyal to their previous supplier for years and simply didn’t realise things could be different.

Product claims can be just as misleading. When I see U-values or security accreditations highlighted, I always question the test conditions. Were they achieved on full-size products? And were thermal and security performances delivered simultaneously?

Having been involved in testing for more than 40 years, I know how challenging it is to achieve both without compromise, which is why transparency and real-world testing matter.

Building a full suite – and delivering on it

From the outset, my vision for the Sheerline range was to create a fully integrated suite of matching products, giving customers a complete solution from a single supplier.

This approach opens up additional sales opportunities whilst simplifying ordering and logistics. Products are delivered in full within five working days, and shared components across the range help reduce stockholding for fabricators.

Crucially, every Sheerline product is tested at full size, allowing fabricators to quote performance figures with complete confidence.

Our early customers took a leap of faith that we would deliver on our promises – and I’m pleased to say that commitment is now paying off.

Introducing SheerGlide

That brings me to the final piece of the Sheerline jigsaw. In 2026, we will complete the residential range with the launch of the SheerGlide inline patio door system.

Many Garnalex customers know this has been in development for some time, but ahead of its official launch, I wanted to share a few details about what makes it different.

Designed to simplify fabrication

One of the biggest challenges with sliding patio systems is unnecessary complexity. Other systems require a wide range of components, tying up cash in stock and slowing down production.

Like the rest of the Sheerline range, SheerGlide was designed to minimise complexity, reduce duplication and streamline fabrication. The goal was simple: make it easy and efficient to manufacture.

Unique ‘TwinLock’ interlock

The standout feature of SheerGlide is its patent-pending TwinLock interlock. Traditionally, achieving PAS 24 security alongside strong thermal performance has been difficult for sliding patio doors.

The TwinLock interlock changes that. It is strong, slim and thermally broken, and crucially, it is fully integrated into the door system. This allows SheerGlide to meet both thermal and security requirements without compromise – something we’re extremely proud of.

The system will be available in 28mm double-glazed and 40mm triple-glazed options, achieving U-values as low as 1.4 and 1.0 W/m²K respectively. SheerGlide also features Quick Connect Corners, helping fabricators improve manufacturing efficiency.

As you would expect from Sheerline, aesthetics aren’t overlooked. Slim sightlines ensure SheerGlide perfectly complements Sheerline windows and doors, while an extensive choice of colours is available, all powder coated in-house on our Qualicoat-approved paint line for long-lasting quality.

Completing the Sheerline product suite is a significant milestone for Garnalex, and it’s fitting that SheerGlide is the first launch under our new technical director, my son, Ben Hartshorn.

Achieving the right balance between performance, manufacturability and design takes time – but we believe the result is a range you can manufacture easily and sell with confidence.

I spoke earlier about the gap between bold claims and real-world delivery. SheerGlide is a clear example of Garnalex doing exactly what we said we would do: completing the Sheerline residential range with a fully tested, fully integrated solution, designed without compromise.