The Central Jersey Industrial Park, founded in the 1950's was one of the first planned industrial developments in the United States. Conceived by Edward A. Chandler as an efficient and economical home for manufacturing and warehousing businesses, the property grew from a single 30,000 square foot building to a complex with 1.6 million square feet under roof when it was completed in the mid 1960's. Located at two exits of Interstate 287 (US 22 and NJ 28), the property proved to be an ideal strategic location for many businesses; large and small. Tenants included familiar names like Quaker Oats, Johnson and Johnson, United Parcel Service, and many others.
Over the years the character of the businesses shifted from manufacturing and warehousing to a diverse mix of service, distribution, office, and wholesale suppliers. To reflect the flexible multi-use character and strategic location, the name was changed to MiddleBrook Crossroads. Edmar Corporation, named for Ed and Marguerite Chandler, owned and operated approximately half of the original complex. In the late 1990's a merger was consummated with the Advance Group and MiddleBrook Crossroads became one of the Advance Properties. Today Edmar Corporation manages financial assets.
Through the end of 2005 Edmar Corporation maintained offices at the Van Horne House in Bridgewater, not far from Middlebrook Crossroads. Management decided to close the Van Horne House office and operate the company as a virtual office with no salaried employees or public office starting in 2006. The officers of the company conduct business via phone, by traveling to meetings, and by mail.
Marguerite Chandler, Edmar's President, believes that the business should actively serve its community. Through her own personal initiatives and also through the WorldWorks Foundation she launched charitable organizations to benefit the residents of Somerset County. Among these were the PeopleCare Center, the Somerset County Coalition on Affordable Housing, the Heritage Trail Association and the Food Bank Network of Somerset County, Her husband, Richmond Shreve, founded the Handyman Project, and is an active supporter Marguerite's work.