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Sandalwood firm predicts $1b in exports

Kimberley Sandalwood producer TFS expects strong interest from institutional investors once it releases new products.

Australian Sandalwood producer TFS Corporation predicts it will generate exports of $1 billion over the next decade as its oil fetches $5000 per kilogram overseas.

Chief executive Frank Wilson said the company had just produced its first harvest and was filling orders from a major international pharmaceutical company.

"In the next decade we expect that we will be exporting over a billion dollars per annum of oil, predominantly through North America, China, India and Europe and that will be to pharmaceutical, fragrance and cosmetics companies," Mr Wilson told reporters during a tour of the company's plantations and operations on Monday.

"Every bit of the tree works for us."

One fully grown tree can fetch around $7000, with the roots and trunk producing valuable oil carving wood for the Chinese market and incense for religious purposes in India.

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He expects US institutional investors to take more of an interest in the stock later in the year once the company releases its new skin products.

"At that point I think we'll attract a lot of US institutional interest."

The Sandalwood oil can be used in the treatment of skin conditions such as acne.

TFS completed its Kununurra processing plant eight months ago.

The company employs 160 full time and 250 casual staff across northern Australia and has a market capitalisation of almost $600 million.

The company also boasts being one of the best performers on the Australian stock exchange over the past 12 months.

Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove, who is on a five day tour of northern Australia, visited the company's operations and said he had looked forward visiting TFS in Kununurra.

"Not only is it a stock with a bullet, it's got some great promoters," Sir Peter said.

Sir Peter said he was cornered by ex Australian cricketer and TFS investor Adam Gilchrist to make sure he visited the company's operations during his trip to the Kimberley.

He added that TFS was important to the local economy of Kununurra.

"It's showing to be a major economic factor, a major source of revenue, a major employer and something with huge potential for the longer term."

"Here it is, first harvest on the cusp of what we know will be a wonderful future," he said.


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