As a grocer in western Denmark 19 years ago, Kristian Skannerup had no inkling that his recycling problems would one day land him in front of royalty.

Cardboard and plastic wrapping were consuming the storage area of Skannerup’s grocery store, but his employees were fearful of the hydraulic compactor that would create more space and allow for easy disposal. It was large, loud and hard to operate. 

Skannerup said he was looking for a machine that was flexible, didn’t take up a lot of space and was easy to use. But, he couldn’t find it on the market. So, with the help of an engineering friend, he made one.

“We had our first machine made up and believe it or not – it works,” he said.

Mil-tek’s balers and waste presses are used for compacting cardboard, plastic, paper and foam. Its products are now in 30 countries worldwide. Last month, the company announced that it had chosen Ashburn for its U.S. headquarters. Loudoun is home to 76 international firms. The company occupies 14,000 square feet of office and distribution space in the Beaumeade Corporate Park and employs five people. The goal, according to president and chief executive officer Brian Wingfield, is to expand to 200 employees by 2014. Skannerup added that he hopes to expand to 30 to 40 U.S. sales offices within four years.

Helping Mil-tek in this initiative was His Royal Highness Prince Henrik of Denmark. The prince arrived at the Ashburn warehouse and was greeted by a red carpet event attended by approximately 100 people including state and local government representatives. The event was celebrated with wine, fruit and danishes. The prince ushered in Mil-tek’s newest product and pushed the button to start up its newest baler.

Mil-tek currently provides balers to such corporate businesses as Burger King, BMW, Hilton, Wal-Mart, Nestle, Ford and Coca-Cola. Skannerup said his goal is to be the top supplier of its products in the U.S., as it is in other European countries.

Buddy Rizer, business development manager with the Loudoun County Department of Economic Development, said the county works to brand itself as a destination for international companies.

“Anytime we can have an international company located in Loudoun, it’s a great win for us,” he said.