(RALEIGH) -- A cabinet manufacturing company plans to bring 136 jobs to Rutherford County. It is good news for the county that has one of the highest unemployment rates in the state at 14.3 percent. Gourmet Group LLC is also expected to invest over $2.3 million in the project over the next three years.

Gourment Group will acquire the assets of Geppetto Kitchens and expand the manufacturing capacity of the plant. Gov. Bev Perdue made the announcement and confirmed that the project was made possible in part by a $270,000 grant from the One North Carolina Fund.

“My top priority is creating jobs, and today’s announcement is a great example of a company investing in one of North Carolina’s heritage industries,” said Gov. Perdue.

“We are excited about this project and are impressed with the support we received from Gov. Perdue and the Department of Commerce throughout this process,” said John Wilson, chairman of Gourmet Group. “We had a number of opportunities in other states but the combination of educational resources, financial assistance and a strong labor pool led us to Rutherford County. This grant will allow us to accelerate our development program in support of our cabinetry business."