Harry’s Fresh Foods, a Portland, Ore.-based manufacturer of premium refrigerated and frozen soups, entrées, sides and desserts, announced plans to expand operations with a production facility in Nashville, Tenn.

“This expansion increases Harry’s capacity on both sides of the country and enables us to offer the same high-quality products with less distance to travel,” says Jamie Colbourne, chief executive officer. “Having a 200,000-square-foot facility east of the Rocky Mountains improves efficiency and available delivered shelf life on the company’s fresh, natural and organic products.”

“We are thrilled to be improving our ability to serve customers on a national basis with a state-of-the-art facility,” adds John Sucharski, vice president of operations and supply chain. “This move into Nashville likely makes Harry’s Fresh Foods the first company in its category to offer manufacturing on both sides of the Rockies.”

The new Nashville facility will produce branded and private label products for club, retail and foodservice customers. Harry’s Fresh Foods will also continue to develop strategic partnerships in the contract packing and private label business.

The Nashville facility was previously operated by Oberto Brands, Kent, Wash., which announced in January its plans to close the plant after three years. Harry’s Fresh Foods will hire 25 employees May 1, with another 60-75 employees to be added in July.

It is projected to be up and running in the third quarter of 2016.