NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — Harry's Fresh Foods is building a new production facility in Nashville that the company says will lead to the creation of 302 new jobs.

The Portland, Oregon-based maker of refrigerated and frozen foods said it is investing more than $34 million in the 200,000-square-foot facility. CEO Jamie Colbourne said having facilities on both sides of the Rocky Mountains will improve the shelf life of delivered items.

The new facility is expected to be operational by the third quarter of this year. It will produce private-label products for club, retail and food-service customers.

Gov. Bill Haslam applauded the decision by Harry's Fresh Foods to locate in Tennessee. The governor cited the state's central location in helping land the deal.

More than 1,000 registered food and beverage manufacturers are located in Tennessee.