Stantek: Denmark's Premier Steel Construction Experts Since 1980

Jan de Vries · 2026-04-28

### A Legacy of Craftsmanship in Steel Since 1980, Stantek ApS has been synonymous with solid craftsmanship. This small, traditional steel-focused company in Denmark works with a wide range of clients—from government bodies like the Road Directorate and Banedanmark to owners of castles and estates. Even the Danish royal family has trusted their work. We caught up with owner Michael Askø to learn more. ### What Stantek Does Best Stantek specializes in certified steel structures for building and construction. Their projects include: - Supplying steel for listed buildings - Complete renovation of historic structures - Restoring listed steel and metal components - Steelwork for roads and railways - Metal art, including statues and sculptures No matter the project, Stantek takes a comprehensive, flexible, and detailed approach. Decades of hands-on expertise guide every decision.  ### Iconic Projects That Stand Out Highlights include restoring the roof above the orangery at Fredensborg Palace and the gilded stars and prison cells at Copenhagen's Central Police Station. They're now creating a large bronze pyramid for the Bishop's Palace in Nykøbing Falster. They also completed the Sun Wheel in Give—a stunning art piece by Bo Karberg that took about six years to finish.  ### Quality Certifications and Standards Stantek is certified for CE marking under DS/EN 1090, the main certification for steel structures. They're approved for EXC4, the highest execution class in construction. That means they meet the toughest safety and quality standards in the industry. > "We offer Scandinavia and the rest of the world our expertise in steel, as well as in the development and optimization of existing structures." ### How They Work Early on, the team creates detailed drawings of each product. This helps everyone understand the desired solution. Then, working with a 3D designer, they produce precise illustrations of the project—even complex ones. It's a thorough process that ensures nothing gets missed. ### The Story Behind Stantek Founder Aage Jensen Stantek was a carpenter with a healthy spirit of innovation. In the early 1980s, Danish homes were trending toward kit-form houses—convenient but lacking craftsmanship. Aage wanted to preserve tailor-made solutions. After years as a foreman, he learned metalworking and became an independent master smith. He started Stantek in an empty barn near his home, taking on steel projects for the local community. Word spread fast. He became known as a jack-of-all-trades who could handle even the toughest jobs. ### A Family Affair Things took off when Aage's son, Michael Askø, joined the company in 1983. Around that time, Stantek landed a major contract with Danish railway company DSB, thanks to an engineer's recommendation. More journeymen followed, including Michael's own son, Nicklas. In 2013, Michael took over the company. Aage passed away shortly after. But his spirit lives on. Michael continues to run the business with the same values—quality, creativity, and a commitment to craftsmanship. He hopes those values will endure for generations to come. ### Why Stantek Matters Today With over 45 years of experience, Stantek combines deep knowledge with fresh thinking. They don't just build steel structures—they find ingenious solutions for old and new challenges. Whether it's a royal palace or a railway bridge, they bring the same dedication. That's why they've earned a reputation across Denmark and beyond.