DUBUQUE, Iowa — Minnesota-based Hormel Foods is bringing Spam production to eastern Iowa as part of an expansion project that’s set to add jobs to the region.

Production of the canned meat product will begin at the Progressive Processing facility in Dubuque, Iowa, sometime next year. The facility is part of a $31 million expansion that is expected to create more than 90 jobs in Dubuque. A contract between Hormel and state officials is expected to be finalized soon.

“We try to get contracts signed within 120 days of awards,” said Tina Hoffman, marketing and communications director for the Iowa Economic Development Authority. She noted a March 22 deadline in this case, and said, “there are definitely plenty of times where we extend that.”

The Dubuque facility currently makes several microwavable products for the company. Its expansion will include at least two phases. The first will focus on a production line for Bacon Bits, a popular topping item. Spam production will be brought in during a second phase of expansion.

Details about the expansion are limited, but the newspaper reported that a building permit application from Hormel contained blueprints.

Spam was first produced in 1937.

Its popularity jumped when more than 100 million pounds were shipped to service members overseas during World War II. It is sold in several varieties.

Spam is currently made in Fremont, Neb., and Austin, Minn. The second location is also home to Hormel’s headquarters.