Blessing Ceremony Marks Century of Growth for Mérida Printing Giant

Yucatán Magazine's printer, Uniprint, gets a big blessing

Shareholders, executives and employees of Uniprint gathered yesterday for a blessing ceremony at the company’s headquarters in Mérida’s Santa Ana neighborhood. The unassuming facility in the Centro Histórico could easily be missed while driving by, but inside, past two layers of security, lie ultra-modern machinery that print everything from business cards to Yucatán Magazine, which the company prints four times a year.

The event celebrated both the printing operation and its parent company’s remarkable milestone — Diario de Yucatán marked its 100th anniversary in May after founder Carlos R. Menéndez González launched the newspaper on May 31, 1925.

Father Ricardo Atoche Enseñat, rector of Yucatán’s Conciliar Seminary, led the 50-minute ceremony at the facility on calle 39 between 60 and 62. The blessing covered every corner of the operation, from the parking lot to the production floors.

Bottom line: The ceremony highlighted how a century-old newspaper has evolved into one of southeastern Mexico’s largest media and printing conglomerates.

From newspaper to printing powerhouse

Uniprint began as an extension of Diario de Yucatán’s relationship with clients, formally launching in August 2007. The company started with eight employees and has grown to 150 workers today, according to general manager Fernando José Mena Álvarez.

The facility spans more than 6,000 square meters (about 1.5 acres) and can handle four million daily impressions. The efficient operation serves clients throughout southeastern Mexico.

The company has undergone two major expansions — 50% growth in 2010 and 30% in 2015. Solar panels now provide 78% of the facility’s electrical needs, reducing energy costs while supporting environmental goals.

A family business with deep roots

Carlos R. Menéndez Losa, CEO of Grupo Megamedia, attended with his wife María de Lourdes Gómory Martínez and their children. The Menéndez family has led the media group since Carlos R. Menéndez founded Diario de Yucatán, which now reaches about 70,000 readers daily across the Yucatán Peninsula.

During the ceremony, Father Atoche reflected on the workplace’s significance. “God left his mark on each of us here,” he said. “Let’s ask him to leave that mark on this workplace, where the dreams, actions and desires of many converge.”

The priest expressed admiration for the operation’s scale after touring production areas, design departments and the Values Gallery, which displays portraits of employees with over 30 years of service.

Diversification drives independence

The blessing ceremony coincided with preparations for Diario de Yucatán’s centennial celebration projects. Menéndez Losa announced three commemorative books, including “100 Jewels of Sacred Art from the Yucatan Peninsula” and a third volume on the role of press freedom in democracy.

He emphasized that economic independence drives editorial freedom. “If there is no economic independence, there is no possibility of a free press,” Menéndez Losa said. “That’s why Megamedia diversified, why this building, and why this company.”

Grupo Megamedia has expanded beyond newspapers to include printing, logistics, education and digital platforms since its formation 15 years ago. The conglomerate now operates across 11 Mexican states, from Veracruz to Quintana Roo.

Tour guides demonstrated Uniprint’s range of services during the facility visit. The company handles everything from business cards to large-format printing, including magazines, brochures and packaging materials.

Eduardo Barrientos Euán, general manager of logistics partner Dypaq, showed visitors the merchandise handling capabilities, from individual envelopes to full pallets. The facility also houses specialized departments for flexography, design and corporate sales.

Uniprint represents Grupo Megamedia’s investment in technological advancement while maintaining the editorial independence that founder Carlos R. Menéndez championed despite facing imprisonment and exile for his articles criticizing government officials.

The day concluded with employees, guests and executives sharing traditional Yucatecan fare — tortas and cochinita tacos — in the facility’s gathering area.