Asheville Kombucha Mamas LLC, also commonly known as Buchi Kombucha, is adding 28 employees and pursuing a $2 million expansion of the company’s current operations in Madison County, according to the North Carolina Department of Commerce.

The company plans to invest up to $7 million over the next three years and will expand its facility in Marshall, North Carolina, about 30 minutes outside of Asheville.

Buchi sells its kombucha, a fermented beverage known for its health benefits, along the east coast from Vermont to Florida. With 17 employees currently, the expansion will grow the company’s current labor force by approximately 65 percent.

Salaries for the new jobs will average $43,472, above Madison County’s average salary of $32,108.

In 2009, Buchi became the first commercial kombucha brewery in the Southeast, according to the company’s website.

Buchi was founded by Sarah Schomber and Jeannine Buscher, who began making the beverage for their families in their home kitchens. The pair first started their sales at the local farmers market.

The release can be found here.