THE Kiwis are coming to Gwent and for once Graham Henry or an All Black shirt is not in sight.

A firm from the other side of the world has pin-pointed Monmouthshire to set up its UK operation due to the wealth of hi-tech skills in the area.

Panztel is locating its new electronic telecommunications "tagging" business a few hundred yards from Terry Matthews' Mitel Telecom plant.

The New Zealand firm, an electronic information provider, is setting up its UK HQ in Gwent and creating twenty jobs.

The move, the first by a New Zealand firm in South Wales, is to spearhead the launch of a digital time management system into Europe. Panztel has opened offices at Neddern House, Portskewett, near Caldicot, from where it has launched a "tracker" business.

It is launching eziTracker, a system developed to target companies employing large numbers of mobile or remote workers.

Software developed by the firm enables the telephone to be used as a data entry device for employers to maintain regular and accurate information on the work record of staff wherever they are.

Panztel expects to employ twenty people within two years providing technical and commercial support. It chose Gwent for its UK base because of the wealth of experience in telecommunications and computing in the area and the excellent skill base.

Panztel (UK) general manager Peter Wood said: "It is basically a very simple system to use that is backed up by advanced technology and software and we are confident it will prove successful in the UK."

He said mobile workers such as engineers, building services staff, cleaners, homecare workers or even flight and cabin crews are given a PIN number and log into the system via the telephone.

He said: "Its most popular use is to create electronic time-keeping records but the system can also be used for the security and safety of staff."

The investment was welcomed by Hilary Hendy, executive director of the WDA's International Division, who said: "Panztel is a small but highly innovative company operating successfully in a fast moving and important technology sector.

"Wales has a strong track record in this field and we are delighted to welcome a trail blazer like Panztel to Wales."