Tree-farm investment manager, Australian Plantation Timber Ltd, is expected soon to announce plans to diversify into a major olive project in Western Australia, joining several of its listed rivals in expanding beyond the blue-gum products which to date have driven their strong sales and earning growth.

APT's managing director, Mr Rinze Brandsma, confirmed this week it was carrying out due diligence on an olive project following negotiations which had been underway for around six months. Other projects were also under consideration.