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Our Exhibition Experiences

Southern Manufacturing Image for the Exhibition page

Join us on our journey across the exhibition circuit, highlighting the events that have shaped our year and the ones still to come. It’s a chance to reflect on where we’ve been, the connections we’ve made, and the ideas we’ve shared along the way. As we continue to explore new opportunities, we’re always looking ahead to the next event, the next conversation, and the next place to connect in person.

EDS

Our first adventure in the tail end of 2025 was to Coventry where we unveiled our new exhibition stand at EDS. As one of our major shows in the exhibition calendar, we love attending EDS as it gives us the opportunity to talk not only to current industry specialists, but the future of the industry as students of all ages are in attendance.

EDS further provides us a great launch point for our brand refresh as the new look stand elevates HITEK to another level, giving us the opportunity to showcase what we can offer through our new Television media and streamlined product experience across our new shelving. The new atmosphere and feel allowed for a more positive interaction with the varying visitors to the stand

With EDS in the books for 2025, only one more exhibition remained, MENE.

EDS Exhibition
EDS Exhibition

MENE

With MENE only just entering the books at the time of writing, a lot of impactful things took place at this show. With the Manufacturing and Engineering show being our largest event taking place in the north, We thrive on interacting with people from our neck of the woods.

While EDS was the main place of revealing our new branded stand, our smaller pop up was unveiled at this show. With the focus on showcasing our solutions and the core ranges from our suppliers. this stand takes the best elements from our t3 stand.

We enjoy attending this show as it brings us closer to our local customers as well as potentially exposing new opportunities to the north of England.

Untitled design 5

Southern Manufacturing & Electronics Exhibition

HITEK began the year by exhibiting at Southern Manufacturing & Electronics 2026, held at the Farnborough International Exhibition Centre. The event brought together a wide range of engineering and electronics professionals, providing a valuable platform to share knowledge and explore new opportunities across the industry.

Across the three-day exhibition, the HITEK team engaged with visitors from multiple sectors, discussing applications in EMI shielding, thermal management, and bespoke fabrication. These conversations offered valuable insights into industry challenges while demonstrating how HITEK’s expertise can support complex and evolving requirements and strengthen relationships with both new and existing contacts.

We were also pleased to be joined by Henkel on our stand, reinforcing the strength of our supplier partnerships and collaborative approach. Working closely with key partners allows us to deliver effective, high-performance solutions to our customers.

Events like this remain key to strengthening relationships and maintaining HITEK’s presence within the engineering community.

Southern Manufacturing Image for the Exhibition page

Come visit us at one of the many exhibitions we attend!

As we look ahead to the next exhibition, we’re excited to continue building connections, sharing ideas, and showcasing what we do best. Each event is an opportunity to meet new people, catch up with familiar faces, and explore the latest developments across the industry. If you’d like to see what we’re up to next, we’d love for you to follow along and, even better, come and meet us in person. Click here to find out where we’ll be exhibiting next and plan your visit—we look forward to seeing you there.

Click here to find out where we’ll be exhibiting next and plan your visit—we look forward to seeing you there.

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Powered by People | David McAllister

Technical manager - David McAllister

At HITEK, we know that technical expertise is only part of the story. What sets us apart is the people who bring that expertise to life – combining deep product knowledge with a real commitment to our customers. Our Technical Manager, David McAllister is a brilliant example of just that.

Solving Challenges Others Can’t

Customers tend to come to David when they’ve hit a wall – when something’s not working as expected, or they’re developing a product that needs robust protection for its electronics. It might be shielding against electromagnetic interference, withstanding environmental conditions, or absorbing microwaves. Often, it’s a combination.

His role isn’t simply about answering questions. It’s about interpreting the challenge, identifying potential risks, and matching the right materials to the task – all while ensuring compliance with evolving regulations like REACH and RoHS. A deep understanding of both the products and the customer’s requirements is essential.

The information he provides can have significant implications – particularly in sectors like aerospace, defence, and marine, where protecting sensitive electronics isn’t just about performance. It’s about safety. In some cases, lives depend on getting it right.

From Desk to Battlefield

One memorable project came from a customer with a damaged, unidentifiable radar-absorbing foam. Not only was a replacement sourced, but David also identified an environmental coating that, when applied, improved the performance of the absorber.

The solution was tested at the University of Sheffield and is now used on HM Forces Chinook helicopters. It’s an achievement to be proud of – but it’s also representative of how HITEK operates. That level of care, effort, and technical problem-solving is simply part of the day-to-day.

Driven by Curiosity, Backed by Data

David is known for being thorough, dedicated, and curious – qualities that have served him well throughout his career. His decisions are backed by hard data, safety sheets, and practical understanding, but equally by instinct and experience.

He doesn’t just provide a solution – he anticipates what might be coming next, helps customers understand their options, and gives them the confidence to move forward knowing they’re protected.

A Life Less Ordinary

Outside of his HITEK story, there’s a rich and surprising story. While serving in the RAF, he spent two decades as a mobile disco DJ – even hosting his own radio shows at the Waddington Air Show and RAF Stanbridge. His love for music and people led him to organise the UK’s biggest pop quiz for BBC Radio Lincolnshire’s Going for Gold appeal in 1997.

Over the years, he’s raised around £25,000–£30,000 for a wide range of charities, including the MS Society, Cancer Research, RNIB, Help the Aged, and many more. His ability to bring people together and make a difference stretches far beyond his day job.

Family, Football and Good Tunes

Today, he enjoys spending quality time with his family and is a proud Newcastle United fan – since 1967, no less – which he jokes has taught him patience! A music lover and sports enthusiast, he’s still driven by the same curiosity and dedication that define his work at HITEK.

The People Behind the Protection

He might not seek the spotlight, but his contribution to HITEK is hard to miss. From complex technical advice to collaborative customer support, David helps turn challenges into solutions – and brings a whole lot of character along the way!

It’s this blend of expertise and personality that makes HITEK what it is. Powered by people – and proud of it.

Check back next month to meet another fantastic member of our team!