RALEIGH, N.C. — Jamestown in Guilford County is getting a new manufacturing plant that will create 244 jobs over the next three years.

Legacy Paddlesports will transfer a recently acquired kayak company in Rhode Island to Jamestown, N.C. Governor Mike Easley said Wednesday morning. The company will make a $2 million investment in the new facility.

Legacy will receive a $00,000 One North Carolina Fund grant as part of an incentive package to locate in Jamestown, Easley said.

"Legacy Paddlesports' decision to locate in North Carolina means an additional 244 good-paying jobs for the people of Guilford County," Easley said. "We will continue to make the right investments in education, infrastructure and workforce development so that North Carolina remains the top destination for company relocation and expansion."

The Jamestown facility will be used to manufacture plastic and high-end composite kayaks and canoes.

Average wages are expected to be $729 plus benefits compared to the average wage of $659 in Guilford County, according to the governor's office.

"Availability of well-trained workers, the commitment to provide additional training, a great location and financial assistance, make Guilford County a smart choice for our rapidly developing business," said Andy Zimmerman, president and chief executive officer of Legacy Paddlesports. "North Carolina's support of the development of paddle trails, ecotourism, and conservation of water resources are additional non-monetary decision factors."

Also participating in the recruiting process were the N.C. Department of Commerce, Guilford County and the Greensboro Economic Development Commission.

One North Carolina fund grants require a local match. The state has used those grants to create 19,000 jobs and generate $3 billion in investments since 2001, according to Easley's office.