I know Gov Kemp has been getting a lot of backlash over his handling of the response (or lack thereof) to the pandemic. I am a little confused by your circumstance though. So how long were you out of work? And you are still working right now, correct? Also are you advocating to be considered non-essential right now so you don't have to work because of the risk of getting the virus at work?
I am not 100% sure, but my inclination is that GE itself is considered essential because in part, they are making PPE. So that might give them a pass for everything else they produce. But even if they weren't I don't think the govt or even the states are deeming which product manufacturing services are essential vs non. At least I haven't seen that. Because people still need to buy all kinds of things. I think non-essential is more for social gathering places - bars, restaurants, parks, spas, theaters, etc.
When you plant shut down, were your furloughed or laid off? Also, how long was it until you went back to work?
Right now, Georgia hasn't gone through with Pandemic Unemployment Assistance yet. Go ahead and file, and file again if you have already. Even if you get denied. The PUA online portal should be up and running in the coming days or weeks. Once it's up, apply again and see what happens.