Our story
The journey of Buffalo, the parent company of DELA Inc., began with the establishment of Melco by Makoto Maki in 1975. Initially focused on manufacturing and selling audio equipment in Nagoya, the company faced numerous challenges but persevered through innovation and dedication. Makoto Maki’s passion for audio led him to create high-quality products that gained recognition in the market. Despite the initial struggles, his commitment to excellence and innovation laid the groundwork for future success.
The Mel Shop
To overcome financial difficulties, Makoto Maki opened the Mel Shop in Nagoya’s Ame-Yoko Radio Center. This move proved pivotal, providing a steady income and laying the foundation for future success. The shop became a hub for audio enthusiasts and helped Melco establish a loyal customer base. The Mel Shop was not just a retail space but a community center where audio lovers could gather, exchange ideas, and experience the latest in audio technology. This environment fostered a culture of innovation and customer engagement that would become a hallmark of the company.
The Foundation of Quality
Makoto Maki emphasized “attractive quality,” ensuring that every product met high standards. This philosophy became the cornerstone of the company’s reputation and growth. The commitment to quality attracted more customers and solidified Melco’s position in the industry. Maki’s approach to quality was holistic, encompassing not just the technical specifications of the products but also their aesthetic appeal and user experience. This comprehensive focus on quality helped Melco differentiate itself in a competitive market and build a strong brand identity.
The Hit Product
The string drive player became a major success, showcasing Melco’s ability to innovate and capture the market’s attention. This product marked a significant milestone in the company’s history, demonstrating the potential for Melco to compete with established brands. The success of the string drive player was a testament to the company’s innovative spirit and technical prowess. It also highlighted the importance of understanding and responding to market needs, a lesson that would guide Melco’s future product development efforts.
The Company Philosophy
Initially, there was no formal company philosophy. However, through experience and customer feedback, Makoto Maki developed a customer-centric approach that guided the company’s operations. This philosophy focused on meeting customer needs and continuously improving product quality. Maki’s philosophy was rooted in the belief that the customer should be at the center of everything the company does. This customer-centric approach not only helped Melco build strong relationships with its customers but also drove continuous improvement and innovation within the company.
The Closure of Mel Shop
Despite its success, the Mel Shop eventually closed, marking the end of an era. This closure led to new opportunities and the expansion of Melco’s product line. The company shifted its focus to developing innovative audio equipment and exploring new markets. The closure of the Mel Shop was a turning point for the company, prompting a strategic shift that would pave the way for future growth and success. It also underscored the importance of adaptability and resilience in the face of changing market conditions.
Makoto's Vision
Makoto Maki’s vision and determination were instrumental in transforming Melco into Buffalo. His legacy continues to inspire the company’s commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction. Makoto’s passion for audio and dedication to quality remain central to Buffalo’s mission. His vision was not just about creating great products but also about building a company that could adapt and thrive in a rapidly changing industry. This forward-thinking approach has helped Buffalo stay ahead of the curve and maintain its position as a leader in the IT and audio equipment markets.
Buffalo and DELA Today
Melco Holdings absorbed Buffalo and changed its name to Buffalo, reflecting the company’s evolution and the reorganization of group companies. Buffalo remains dedicated to providing high-quality IT-related products and services, continuing the legacy of innovation and customer focus established by Makoto Maki. Today, Buffalo is known for its cutting-edge technology and customer-centric approach, offering a wide range of products that meet the needs of both consumers and businesses. The company’s commitment to quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction continues to drive its success and growth in the global market.
As a unique company which is PC peripheral manufacturer originating from an audio equipment maker, Buffalo has leveraged its DNA and industry-leading technology and expertise to transform PC peripherals with an audio-centric approach. This bold decision led to the creation of the new brand “DELA,” which embodies Buffalo’s mission to revolutionize PC peripherals through audio innovation.
Now with Buffalo’s extensive experience, DELA returns to its audio roots. As pioneers, DELA is dedicated to delivering audio references with “transmission quality” that will deeply satisfy music enthusiasts. Buffalo’s rich history and commitment to excellence ensure that DELA products meet the highest standards of performance and quality, providing an unparalleled audio experience.