In the beginning of the 1900's a cement factory was established in Hidalgo. It was privately owned and the first in México and Latin America to produce Portland cement. In 1937, by order of the Presidency of Mexico it was donated to the workers, becoming a Cooperative, where every worker was owner.

In 1991 it was declared bankrupt and was sold to CEMEX, one of the biggest cement companies in the world. The impact of this buyout negatively affected the economy of Hidalgo. Even though cooperative shares were distributed appropriately, the weekly income of 800 families ceased. Soon cash flow became a problem and folks were forced to look for work in a town of only one large industry.

Many simply decided to look elsewhere, such as Monterrey or the United States. The trend to work outside of Hidalgo continues today, although the economy is growing and money flow is improving.