At Porta, we are proud to support businesses that leverage our products to achieve excellence in their industries. One such success story is Like Butter, a design and fabrication business founded by industrial designer Jem Selig Freeman and sculptor Laura Woodward. This case study explores how Like Butter benefits from using Porta's high-quality materials.

Watch the Full Case Study Video below

To see the full story of our partnership with Like Butter and hear from Jem Selig Freeman, click the button below.


Introduction to Like Butter


Founded in 2007, Like Butter has earned a reputation for its unique approach to design and fabrication. Their work spans multiple industries, including furniture and lighting products, public art installations, and film and animation production. Their focus on flexible, lateral thinking, strong aesthetics, and detailed craftsmanship drives their projects to achieve the simplest and most effective solutions.

For more information about Like Butter and their innovative products, visit their website or follow them on Instagram here.



The Role of Porta Products in Like Butter’s Creations

A key element of Like Butter’s product range is the Kitta Parts modular shelving system. This system relies heavily on the consistent supply of high-quality Tasmanian oak dowels from Porta. Each year, Like Butter purchases approximately three kilometers of 35mm diameter dowels from us, which are crucial for the production of Kitta Parts. Additionally, they use 25mm dowels for newer products like the thread board and threaded peg system, and are beginning to incorporate larger sizes, such as 45mm dowels, for new product lines including a bed design.



Analysis of the Success


Reliability and Consistency

One of the primary reasons for the success of Like Butter’s designs is the reliability and consistency of Porta’s products. Jem Selig Freeman emphasises, “Because of how critical Kitta Parts has become for our product range and our revenue, it's really important that we can get that stock reliably, on time, on budget, and working with Porta has been fantastic.” This reliable supply chain ensures that Like Butter can maintain their production schedule without interruptions, directly contributing to their business stability and growth.

 

Product Versatility and Adaptability

Porta’s Tasmanian oak dowels are not only high quality but also versatile, allowing Like Butter to adapt them for various products. From the modular shelving system to the threaded peg system and new bed designs, the adaptability of our products enables Like Butter to innovate continuously. This versatility supports Like Butter’s philosophy of creating heirloom flat packs—products that are efficient to transport but durable and adaptable over time.

 

Cost-Effectiveness

The cost-effectiveness of Porta’s products also plays a crucial role in Like Butter’s success. By providing dowels that meet high standards of quality at competitive prices, Porta helps Like Butter manage their production costs effectively. This cost efficiency is vital for Like Butter as it allows them to offer competitively priced products without compromising on quality or design.

 

Impact on Product Development and Innovation

The reliable supply and quality of Porta’s dowels have a direct impact on Like Butter’s ability to develop and launch new products. For instance, the introduction of the 45mm dowels for the new bed design showcases how our products enable Like Butter to explore and create new product lines. This ongoing product development is essential for Like Butter to stay relevant and competitive in the market.

 

Conclusion

The success story of Like Butter illustrates how strategic use of high-quality materials from Porta can lead to innovation and growth. By providing reliable, high-quality, and versatile products, Porta supports Like Butter in maintaining their production schedule, managing costs, and driving product innovation. This case study highlights the significant benefits of our products and reinforces the importance of choosing the right materials for design and fabrication projects.

For more information about our products and how they can benefit your business, visit Porta.