DUBUQUE, Iowa (AP) - Minnesota-based Hormel Foods is bringing its Spam production to eastern Iowa as part of an expansion project.

Production of the beloved canned meat product will begin at the Progressive Processing facility in Dubuque sometime next year. Spam is currently made in Fremont, Neb., and Austin, Minn.

The facility is part of a $31 million expansion that is expected to create more than 90 jobs in Dubuque. A production line for Bacon Bits will come first. Spam production will be part of a second phase.

Spam was first produced in 1937. Its popularity jumped when it was shipped to service members overseas during World War II.

A contract between Hormel and state officials is expected to be finalized soon.

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