Western Australia’s Quintis Sandalwood has received a $500,000 grant to upgrade its production line and install sophisticated machinery in the processing centre at Kununurra and the distillery at Albany – expected to create around 20 new permanent full-time jobs. Source: Timberbiz
The first stage of the work has been completed at Quintis Albany with the design, installation and commissioning of a continuous steam distillation (CSD) facility.
The CSD will significantly increase the capacity and quality of the sandalwood oil produced and will reduce water and energy consumption by up to 75 per cent.
The remaining part of the project is occurring in Kununurra with the installation of a splitter for de-sapping trees and colour sorting technology to accurately sort woodchips.
The aim of the project is to turn raw sandalwood into a range of high-value and bespoke consumer products for global markets. This includes high-end wood pieces to China, India and Japan, and essential oils for aromatherapy, cosmetics and personal care products globally – opening up access to a multi-billion dollar market.
The WA State Government has awarded $10.2 million to 18 agrifood businesses in metropolitan and regional Western Australia this year through its Value Add Investment Grants to boost local food and beverage manufacturing. Businesses are required to match the grant funding dollar-for-dollar.
For more information about the Value Add Investment Grant recipients visit http://www.agric.wa.gov.au/VAIGrants
