SMS group has developed a new primary smelter called CONPRO in response to rising CO₂ emission costs, fluctuating prices of charge materials for the BOF converter process, and anticipated increased scrap availability.

CONPRO integrates BOF converter and electric arc furnace technologies to provide an efficient and flexible energy source combination.

CONPRO can operate like a BOF converter, allowing for a reduction in the use of scrap or other coolants to about 15%. It uses a top lance and side wall lances for oxygen introduction. If molten pig iron is unavailable, or its production is ceased, CONPRO can seamlessly switch to electric arc furnace mode within a single shift, with only minor procedural differences from the BOF mode.