The maker of Spam and other prepared foods broke ground on the expansion Monday. The expansion is the first in more than 20 years, and officials say because of Hormel's continued growth, it's long overdue.

The plan reportedly includes a 28,000-square-foot addition to the front of the building. Also planned are several large conference rooms, a state-of-the-art auditorium, a new cafeteria and a gym.

Hormel hopes to have the project completed by the beginning of next year.

From the May 19, 2011, Prepared Foods' Daily News.